A 45-year-old man, Joshua Pius has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly stealing bells, drums and other items belonging to a church.
During the trial, the police prosecutor, Inspector Olubu Apata, alleged that the suspect, together with other members of the gang committed the crime on August 12, 2025.
Apata told the court that the defendant and others currently at large, broke into the church located at Embassy Island, Agric Olope area of Ado-Ekiti around 11:30 am on the said day and made away with the items.
According to Inspector Apata, the defendant stole a set of drums, a standing fan, two bells, a trumpet, and a generator. He added that all the stolen items valued at N560,000 belong to the church’s founder, Pastor Adewumi Oluwasumibola.
The police prosecutor said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 421, 321, 295, and 302 (9) of the Ekiti State Criminal Law of 2021.
The defendant, who was not represented by any legal counsel, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him in court.
The Magistrate, Ajibade P. T., granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety.
The case has been adjourned till August 27, for hearing.