CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 25-year-old man, Dayo Adeniyi, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of breaking into a church and stealing property worth ₦100,000 in Ayobo area of Lagos State.
The defendant appeared before Magistrate L.A Owolabi on a two-count charge of burglary and stealing. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police with Nuk/BF/37/26 as the charge number.
According to the charge sheet presented by the prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, the incident occurred on August 18, 2026, at about 8:00pm at Adekanbi Street, Ishefun, Ayobo, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that on the said date and time, Adeniyi broke into Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Mercy, with intent to commit a felony within the premises. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 311 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The second count stated that the defendant allegedly stole two ringing bells valued at One Hundred Thousand Naira, ₦100,000.00, property of the same church. The prosecution said the act contravened Section 10 and is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge sheet was signed by SP Ajeigbe Yemisi of the Nigeria Police Force. The matter was entered before the court at about 12:11pm.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor informed the court that investigation into the case is ongoing and requested a date for mention. SP Josephine Ihkayere represented the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
After listening to the prosecutor, Magistrate L.A Owolabi granted bail to the defendant. The court set bail conditions requiring two sureties. The magistrate ordered that the sureties must provide evidence of means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri town pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Magistrate Owolabi adjourned the case for mention to allow the Police to conclude investigation and for the defence to meet the bail terms. The date for the next mention was fixed by the court.
The Information Officer listed on the charge sheet was Inspector Ayansola Mary. The case file was approved by the District Prosecutor’s Office, Ogba, under the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Legal experts noted that Section 311 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State deals with burglary, while Section 287 covers the offence of stealing. Both offences attract different terms of imprisonment upon conviction.
The Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Mercy, is located in the Ishefun area of Ayobo, a community within the Ikeja Magisterial District. Church officials were not present in court during the arraignment.
The court emphasized that the remand order will subsist until the defendant fulfills the bail requirements as stated. The prosecution was directed to ensure that all relevant exhibits and witness statements are made available at the next hearing.
The case was adjourned for mention, and the court will review compliance with the bail conditions and the progress of investigation at the next sitting.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court of Competent jurisdiction.