[b]Ojo Magistrates’ Court sitting on Thursday in Lagos, a 19-year-old student, Miracle Okiugbo, who allegedly stole her pastor’s N665,000, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Titus Abolarinwa.
The accused student who resides in Ojo area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretences as the prosecutor, Inspector Uche Simon told the court that the accused committed the offences with two other still at large on July 6 in Okokomaiko area of Lagos State.
He added that the accused stole the pastor’s signed cheque, went to his bank to withdraw N665,000 and shared it with her accomplices.
“The pastor was shocked when he received an alert that he had withdrawn N665, 000 from his account. He quickly rushed to the bank where he watched the footage of its CCTV leading to identifying and the subsequent arrest of the accused,” he said.
The offences contravened Sections 285,312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 312 prescribes a 15-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences while Section 285 stipulates a three-year imprisonment for stealing.
In its ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Titus Abolarinwa granted the accussed bail in the sum of N300,000 and was also ordered to produce two sureties as part of the bail conditions, adding that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The magistrate adjourned the case to Oct. 18 for mention.[/b]
