A civil servant has landed in trouble with the law after he was found out to have broken into a church to commit a criminal act.
File photo used only for illustrative purpose
Abariko Ebikebena, a 40-year-old civil servant, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court charged with breaking into Christ Embassy Church and stealing two television sets valued at N150,000, NAN reports.
Ebikebena, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of break-in; attempt to commit felony and stealing.
But the prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, said the accused committed the offences on April 19 at Palmgrove, Ilupeju, on Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
According to him, the accused broke into the church and stole a 42-inch television valued at N110, 000 and a 14-inch LG table television valued at N40, 000 belonging to Christ Embassy Church.
“The accused was caught by the security guard in the church while stealing the items.”
The offences contravened Sections 285, 308 and 404 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Section 285 stipulates three years imprisonment for offenders.
The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Osinbajo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until May 11 for mention.