6th October, 2011
The Police at Bar Beach Division, Victoria Island, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, have arrested and arraigned a man suspected church thief before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, on a two-count charge of stealing.
The police alleged that the accused, Igbo Friday, 26, on 21 September, 2011 at Freedom Way, Lekki, Victoria Island, entered This Present House Church, as one of the worshippers, unknown to many that he had a sinister motive.
The police alleged that while members of the church were deeply in prayer session, the accused, Friday, quietly picked the pastor’s iPod and left, but not before the Circuit Camera Television. CCTV, in the church had captured his nefarious activity.
A church member reported the matter to the police and the police demanded for the recorder from the CCTV.
During the replay of the recorder, the thief was seen inside the church as he picked the gadget. The police, afterward printed the photograph of the accused and following intelligent gathering, he was traced to Kuramo Beach where he was arrested.
During interogation, he confessed to the crime and led the police to where he hid it, preparatory to selling it.
It was recovered and given to the pastor. The accused was thereafter charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, for stealing. The offence, according to the prosecutor Inspector Clifford Ogu, are punishable under Section 415 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A. A. Famobiwo, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum who must produce evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government, and adjourned the matter.
—Paul Iyoghojie