Two remanded for alleged robbery in church

In Igbosere High Court in Lagos yesterday remanded two men in prison custody following their arraignment for alleged robbery at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),  Ijegun, Satellite Town, Lagos.

Bright Oriakwu and Babajide Akinola, both unemployed, were accused of breaking into the church, robbing the congregation and stealing items worth N680,000 at gunpoint.

The defendants are standing trial before Justice Adedayo Akintoye on a five-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, burglary and membership of an unlawful society.

Prosecuting counsel Mr. Tunde Sunmonu alleged that the defendants committed the offences between November 27, 2015 and December 29, 2015, at 4, Ezimorah Street, off Marwa Road, Ijegun, Satellite Town.

He said the duo and their accomplices at large conspired, broke into the RCCG and stole mixers, amplifiers and four speakers.

The court heard that they also robbed worshippers.

Sunmonu  said: “The defendants, while armed with a gun, robbed Mr. Chigozie Orgwu of his HP laptop worth N200,000, two phones worth N110,000, a digital external drive worth N100,000, a watch worth N70,000 and N200,000 cash.”

According to the charge, the total value of the items stolen was N680,000.

Sunmonu said the defendants were caught trying to join an unlawful society called ‘Eiye’.

Oriakwu and Akinola pleaded not guilty.

Sunmonu prayed the court to remand both in prison custody and applied for an accelerated trial.

Justice Akintoye upheld his prayer and remanded the duo in prison.

She adjourned till March 11 and 12 for trial.