Man Arrested For Stealing Money Inside Mosque

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Police operatives from Ipaja Division in Lagos led by CSP Tokumbo Abaniwonda, have arrested a 20-year old, Jamiu Olatunji, who reportedly committed sacrilege by sneaking into the Mosque and stealing the money realised for maintenance.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at the popular Istijabah Ratibi Mosque located at No. 239 Ipaja Road in Ipaja area of Lagos.

The suspect, Olatunji, was said to have sneaked into the Mosque, went where the money was kept and stole it. However, he was caught in the act and handed over to the Police at Ipaja Division where he confessed.
After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and he was later charged before the Ogba Magistrates Court for stealing and he admitted before the Court that he actually went to the Mosque to steal the money.
He pleaded guilty before the Court and explained that he went to the right place to collect the money but only saw N3,200, which was not enough to cater for the pressing problem he had.
Olatunji said that the thought came to him after he attempted to borrow money from people and nobody was willing to assist him. He then went to the Mosque hoping he would see enough money but was disappointed before he was eventually caught.

The prosecutor, Christopher John, then asked the Court to give a short date to enable him to present the facts of the matter so that the Court will sentence him accordingly to serve as deterrent to those who might want to commit such crime in the place of worship.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. P..E. Nwaka, ordered him to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to a later date when the prosecutor will present the facts and he will sentenced accordingly.