A pastor, Emmanuel Akinsanya, who allegedly broke into a house and stole property worth N680, 000, was on Friday put on trial at an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Akinsanya, 58, who resides at No. 35a, Ayodeji Ogunlana St., Matori, Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, housebreaking and theft.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences on Jan. 6, at 2.00 p.m. at 24, Okoye St., Bucknor, Isolo, Lagos.
He said the accused gained entry into the apartment of one Christiana Njoku through the roof and stole property worth N680, 000.
According to the prosecutor, Njoku got a call from a neighbour that some men were at her apartment tearing down the roof.
Ayorinde said Akinsanya told Njoku that the owner of the building had contracted him and three others to remove the roofing sheets.
“When the complainant entered her apartment, she discovered that her laptop, a gold necklace and some money, all worth N680, 000 were missing. Njoku immediately made a report at the Ejigbo Police Station.’’
Ayorinde noted that the offences contravened Sections 285, 305 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs. Abegunde David, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be given a three-year jail term if convicted.
The case was adjourned to April 17 for mention.
