Man jailed 2years for stealing church property worth N310,000

A Grade 1 Area Court in Aso-Pada, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has sentenced a 24-year-old man, Jonathan Samuel, to two years imprisonment for stealing church property worth N310,000.

The convict, who resides behind St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Aso-Pada, Mararaba, had pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, trespass and theft.

The judge, Yusuf Yaqub, however, gave the convict an option of fine of N10, 000 and also ordered him to pay N110,000 as cost of prosecuting the case.

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The prosecutor, Sgt. Agabi Auta had told the court that one Ezekiel Ibrahim of same address as the convict reported the matter at the Aso-Pada Police Station, Mararaba on Oct. 13.

“The complainant alleged that the defendant conspired with one Japhet, and criminally trespassed into St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Aso-Pada, Mararaba and stole church property valued at N310, 000.

“The stolen items included power amplifier, valued at N100,000; a keyboard, valued at N150,000 and plastic chairs, valued at N60,000.

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“During police investigation, the keyboard was found in the convict’s possession, while the amplifier was in the possession of his accomplice,” Auta said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 97, 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Credit: Daily trust