Ondo Court Sentences Man to 21 Years for Church Thefts

A Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a man, Olushola Olatunde, to 21 years imprisonment for stealing items worth ₦1,340,900 from several churches and other locations.

The court heard that Olatunde was arrested by the police on December 8 and 24, 2024, after a series of thefts in Akure. He was charged with six counts of stealing and illegal entry and pleaded guilty to all charges.

State prosecutor D.S. Msonter-Shagba informed the court that the offences were committed at various locations between December 24, 2024, and January 8, 2025. On December 24, Olatunde broke into the Revelation of God Miracle Church, where he stole a 16-channel live audio mixer valued at ₦250,000 and a public address system worth ₦250,000.

The same day, he entered the Garden of Faith Church, taking an amplifier worth ₦230,000, a 6.5kV generator valued at ₦250,000, two lengths of 12mm rods worth ₦19,600, and an iron tithe box valued at ₦35,000.

Read Also: Two Arrested for Stealing Cable Wires, Iron Rods in Ogun

At Shasha Market, located along Owo Express Road in Akure, Olatunde stole 33 bags of cement worth ₦306,900, bringing the total value of stolen items to ₦1,340,900.

The court was told that Olatunde’s actions violated Sections 383, 390(9), 415, and 413(2) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Presiding Magistrate Damilola Sekoni sentenced the defendant to four years imprisonment on each of counts one, two, three, five, and six, and one year imprisonment for count four. However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning Olatunde will serve four years in prison.

The judgment serves as a stern warning to those engaging in theft and burglary, particularly targeting places of worship.