Security personnel were on Tuesday arraigned before the Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for stealing N250,000 and 50 litres of diesel valued at N50,000 from St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

The defendants, Victor Odeh, 22; Jeremiah Negedu 32; Ubi Mbeh, 40; and Idris Olatunji, 44 were standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and burglary preferred against them by the police.

The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on July 1, at about 1:00 a.m., at St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by entering the church’s premises and stealing N250,000 from the offering box and 50 litres of diesel worth N50,000.

“The defendants, who are all security men of the church, connived with the last defendant, Olatunji, to come into the premises to steal. Olatunji pretended he was bringing in a sick patient to the church hospital and with the help of others, gained entrance into the chapel with their own key.

“Then they opened the offering box to take the money. They also took 50 litres of diesel,” Mr Bassey said.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, M.O. Tanimola, granted the defendants bail of N100,000  each with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties be gainfully employed and reside within the courts jurisdiction.

Ms Tanimola adjourned the case until July 16 for mention. 

(NAN)