Church Burglar Arraigned in Lagos Over Alleged Theft of Cash, Amplifier, Petrol

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A 22-year-old man, Anike Samuel, has been arrested and arraigned in Lagos State for allegedly breaking into a church and stealing cash and property valued at hundreds of thousands of naira.

The suspect was brought before an Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court following an alleged burglary at Tree of Life Church, located at Jakande Gate in Ejigbo, Lagos.

According to police authorities, the incident occurred on 17 March 2026 when Samuel allegedly broke into the church premises and carted away ₦52,000 from the offering box. He was also accused of stealing the church’s amplifier, valued at ₦300,000, and 25 litres of petrol reportedly purchased for church services.

Police said the matter was reported at the Ejigbo Police Division, leading to the suspect’s arrest and detention for questioning.

Following investigations, officers charged Samuel to court on allegations bordering on burglary and theft under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecution told the court that the defendant unlawfully entered the church premises at about 11:50 p.m. and removed items belonging to the church.

According to the charge sheet, Samuel was accused of breaking and entering into the church, an offence punishable under Section 309(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He was also charged with allegedly stealing an amplifier valued at ₦300,000, 25 litres of petrol worth ₦25,000, and ₦52,000 in cash belonging to Tree of Life Church, contrary to Section 287 of the same law.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Mr Simeon Njue, urged the court to adjourn the matter for hearing to allow the police present evidence supporting the allegations.

Presiding Magistrate Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to provide proof of means of livelihood, evidence of tax payment, and verified residential addresses.

The case was adjourned for mention, while Samuel was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.