A 23-year-old man, Emmanuel Ejike, has been arraigned before the Ojo Magistrate Court in Lagos over allegations of stealing a public address speaker from a church premises. The charge was filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
According to the charge sheet marked No. 07/1/31/2026, the alleged incident occurred on the 2nd of March, 2026, at about 08:00HRS. The offence was said to have taken place at The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church located at No 5 Ojo Peter Street, Abule Oshun, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged in Count One that the defendant unlawfully entered into the church premises and stole one public address speaker. The charge sheet stated that the suspect was allegedly caught in the process while attempting to leave the premises.
The offence was cited under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, which deals with stealing. The charge sheet was dated 04/03/2026 and was signed by CSP Odumade Yetunde on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
The matter was presented before the court by officers from Onireke Police Station. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Inspector Michael.
During arraignment, the charges were read to the defendant in the open court. Emmanuel Ejike pleaded guilty to the allegation. The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, then asked the Court to grant a date for presentation of facts to enable the court to proceed with sentencing.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, noted the plea of the defendant and made an order for remand. The court ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Badagry Correctional Centre pending when he will be brought back to court for facts of the case and sentencing.
Details from the charge sheet showed that the alleged theft was discovered within the church premises during morning hours. Church officials reportedly raised an alarm which led to the arrest of the defendant by security personnel on duty.
The prosecution told the court that it would present evidence, including the recovered exhibit and statements, to establish the facts of the matter. The court directed that all relevant exhibits be kept in the custody of the IPO.
Legal observers noted that a guilty plea allows the court to fast-track proceedings to the fact stage. The Magistrate explained to the defendant the implication of his plea before adjourning the matter.
The case file was marked Charge Sheet No. 07/1/31/2026. The court also entered other procedural details as required by law, including the names of the prosecuting and investigating officers.
Authorities have urged members of the public to allow the legal process to run its course while the case is pending before the Ojo Magistrate Court. Further updates will be provided as proceedings continue.