A 22-year-old man, Dayo Shonekan, was on Thursday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State over allegations of stealing church bells.
Shonekan, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing a charge related to theft.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
According to the prosecutor, ASP E.O. Adaraloye, the alleged offence occurred on November 15 at the Celestial Church of Christ in Opeloyeru Senukoro, Ota.
Mr Adaraloye said the defendant “entered into the church and stole three bells valued at N150,000, belonging to the church.”
He added that the suspect “ran out of luck, as he was caught by the church members and handed over to the police.”
Magistrate O.O. Fadairo granted Shonekan bail in the sum of N100,000, with one surety in the same amount.
Ms Fadairo also directed that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and be gainfully employed with proof of tax payment to the Ogun State Government.
The matter was adjourned until December 9 for hearing.
