A 45-year-old man, Joshua Pius, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly stealing drums, bells, and other items from a church.
During the trial, police prosecutor Inspector Olubu Apata stated that the suspect, along with other gang members currently at large, committed the crime on August 12, 2025.
Inspector Apata told the court that the defendant and his accomplices broke into the church located at Embassy Island, Agric Olope area of Ado-Ekiti around 11:30 a.m. on the said day and stole several items.
The stolen goods reportedly include a set of drums, a standing fan, two bells, a trumpet, and a generator, all valued at ₦560,000 and belonging to the church’s founder, Pastor Adewumi Oluwasumibola.
The prosecutor added that the offence violates Sections 421, 321, 295, and 302(9) of the Ekiti State Criminal Law of 2021 and is punishable by law.
The defendant, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Magistrate Ajibade P.T. granted bail to Joshua Pius in the sum of ₦100,000 with one surety.
The case has been adjourned until August 27 for hearing.
