A 27-year old suspect, Otega John, who specialised in stealing in Lagos churches, has revealed that it was convenient to cart away Church properties and escape without much hassles.
The suspect, John, had been arrested on three different occasions, charged to Court, eventually released but would always go back to steal in churches.
He revealed to the Police that he had burgled many churches, carted away their properties and escaped because the complainants had refused to come to Court to prove the allegations.
John was recently arrested and charged before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for allegedly breaking into a popular Church known as Mercy and Victory Christian Church located at Mercy City Street, Ikotun area of Lagos, stealing musical equipment worth over N2m and escaping with them.
Some of the items he allegedly stole with others now at large included: plasma television, mixers, amplifier, and very expensive keyboard.
However, information leaked to the Church that John was behind the theft and the matter was reported to the Police at Ikotun Division. He was then arrested and detained at the Station for investigation.
During interrogation, he reportedly denied claiming that he was only involved in some criminal activities in some churches in the area in the past.
The Police found him culpable and charged before Ejigbo Magistrates Court for stealing the items.
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Kenneth Asibor, asked the Court to fix a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the offence.
The prosecutor also informed the Court that it was not the first time John was brought to Court for stealing in churches but had always been released from prison custody as the complainants usually do not come to Court for diligent prosecution of the matter.
Hence, the Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O Shomade, granted John bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
While John was being taken to prison, he said that he will soon be released and probably continue the stealing because the complainants do not usually show interest in prosecuting the matter before Court.
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