By Rotimi Ojomoyelan Ado-Ekiti A pastor, Ajayi Pius, 45, was yesterday arraigned before Magistrate Omolola Akosile of an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, Ekiti, for allegedly stealing N350,000. Th e prosecutor, Monica Ikebuilo, told the court that the accused committed the off ence sometime in June 2013 at Falana area of Ado-Ekiti. Pius, who is a pastor in an indigenous church (names withheld) situated at Basiri, in Ado-Ekiti, is alleged to have stolen N350,000 kept in his car.
She said the amount was to be used by one Rufai Mercy to rent an apartment, adding that the off ence contravened Section 383 and was punishable under Section 390 (8b) of the Criminal Code Cap C16 Vol. 1 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012. Th e accused pleaded not guilty. Th e prosecutor, however, applied for adjournment to enable her study the case fi le and assemble witnesses.
Counsel, to the accused, Simeon Ojo, applied for his bail on liberal terms and promised that the accused would not jump bail. Th e magistrate, Omolola Akosile, granted the defendant N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. She said that the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction and must have verifi able addresses. Th e magistrate adjourned the case till April 27 for hearing
