A 45-year-old man, Joshua Pius, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into a church premises and stealing properties valued at N560,000.

The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a two-count charge of breaking and stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Olubu Apata, told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the offences on Aug.12 at about 11.30 a.m. at Testimony Church of Embassy Island, Agric Olope Area, Ado-Ekiti.

He alleged that the defendant and others broke into the church and stole property valued at N560,000 belonging to the church, founded by Adewumi Oluwasumibola.

According to him, the stolen items include a drum valued at N100,000, a 26-inch OX-standing fan valued at N250,000, two jingle bells valued at N60,000, a trumpet valued at N50,000 and a generator coil valued at N100,000, totalling N560,000.

He noted that the offences contravened Sections 326 and 302(9) of the Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

The prosecutor requested an adjournment to study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, citing lack of legal representation.

Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Ajibade, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case until August 27 for hearing.

(NAN)