27th July, 2011
The police in Lagos have arraigned a 61-year-old man before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on one count charge of allegedly stealing N550,000 belonging to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Raboni Parish, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos.
The police alleged that the accused, Alfred Taiwo, was arrested following a complaints by RCCG Raboni Parish members, Ketu, that the accused in September, 2010 at 4, Salome Street, Ikosi Street, Ketu, collected N500,000 and N50,000 from them to sell a land to them at Oladogba Street, Ketu to build a church.
But when the church members went to the site to inspect the land, they discovered that the land was not only unconducive for church building, but Alfred had resold the land to another person.
When the church members demanded for a refund of their money, the accused allegedly refused to refund the money and also refused to give them another land.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and magistrate, Mrs. Davies Abegunde, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties who must be resident in Lagos.
She adjourned the matter till 19 September, 2011 for mention.
The accused was ordered remanded at Ikoyi prison when nobody came to stand surety for him before the court closed for the day. —Paul Iyoghojie
—Paul Iyoghojie