A 31-year-old unemployed man, Tope Otenaike, who allegedly entered a church and stole a microphone worth N160,000, was on Thursday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Otenaike, who is of no fixed address, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, told the court that the accused and others still at large committed the offences on Dec. 9, at 11.00p.m., at Phase 2 Extension, Adeniyi Adele Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Ajayi said that the accused entered one church and stole their microphone valued N160, 000, property of one Saheed Adeoti, a pastor.
He said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that section 285 provides that any person who steals any property is guilty of a felony, and liable to three years imprisonment.
Mr Emmanuel Banny, counsel to the accused, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Mrs A. A. Famobiwo granted the accused N20,000 bail with one surety in like sum.
She said that the surety must provide evidence of tax payment and directed the prosecutor to verify the address of the surety.
Famobiwo adjourned the case to Jan. 29, for mention.
