By KP Reporter
Four security personnel from St Agnes Catholic Church in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, found themselves in court on Tuesday, accused of stealing ₦250,000 and 50 litres of diesel valued at ₦50,000 from the church premises.
Victor Odeh, 22; Jeremiah Negedu, 32; Ubi Mbeh, 40; and Idris Olatunji, 44, stood trial at Ogudu Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy, stealing, and burglary. According to the prosecutor, Insp Sunday Bassey, the defendants allegedly committed the crimes in the early hours of July 1.
Bassey detailed that the accused, all employed as security guards at the church, conspired with Olatunji, who had a ruse involving a fake medical emergency to gain access to the church’s premises. Once inside, they allegedly used their access to steal ₦250,000 from the offering box and siphon off 50 litres of diesel.
These actions, as per the charges filed under Sections 287, 311, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015, are deemed serious offences. Section 311 specifically addresses the invasion of places of worship and carries a potential 7-year prison sentence for such felonies.
During the court proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite their plea, Magistrate M.O Tanimola granted each defendant bail set at ₦100,000 with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate stipulated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.