KINGSLEY EBERE
A 28-year old man, Sunday Sagbo, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for stealing building materials worth over N4.5m bought for the church construction as he carted them away and sold the materials.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Lord’s Solution Ministry Church, represented by one Pastor Chinedu Enoch, which is located at Abule Ado area in Ojo, Lagos.
According to the Police, the suspect stole a tonne of 12mm Iron rod valued at N1.25m, one tonne of 10mm Iron rod valued at N1.25m and Aluminum roofing sheets valued at N2 million and carted them away.
The matter was reported to the Police at Ojo Division. The suspect was arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
After rounds of interrogation, the Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ojo Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The prosecutor, Inspector Esther Adesulu, told the Court that the defendant committed the offences between 22nd February and 11th November, 2024, at the church’s premises, where the materials were kept and the alleged offence contravened the provisions of Sections 287 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecutor said the total value of all items stolen was N4.5 million, which belonged to Lord’s Solution Ministry Church, represented by one Pastor Chinedu Enoch and the defendant also damaged some roofing sheets by cutting them into pieces.
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.M. Alade, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 5th December, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.