Man arraigned over alleged attempt to steal from church

The police on Monday, dragged a 24-year-old man, Uwem Ayobami, before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, over alleged unlawful entry into a church premises to steal.

Ayobami, whose address was not stated, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on unlawful entry and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp. Opeyemi Lawal, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Nov. 3, at about 11 p.m. at the Agbo-Afoju Area of Sabo, Abeokuta.

Lawal alleged that the defendant unlawfully entered into the premises of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, with intention to steal.

He alleged that Ayobami entered the church, under the pretext of being a member and then tried to steal.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant however, ran out of luck as he was apprehended by church members when he could not give a satisfactory account of himself.

He alleged that the church members consequently, handed him over to the police.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 413, 512 and 516 of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, 2006.

The Magistrate, Ms O.T. Odubanjo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000, with one surety in like sum.

Odubanjo held that the surety must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.

She ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Oba Correctional Centre, pending perfection of his bail terms..

The court adjourned the case  until Dec. 4, for hearing.