NAN – One David Praise-Diri, who impersonated a pastor of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry MFM, has been arrested and standing trials at the Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Folarin-Williams, had ruled that the accused be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons, after he pleaded guilty to the offences.
The accused, Praise-Diri, whose address was unavailable, faces a three-count charge of impersonation, obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.
Sergent Benedict Aigbokhim, the prosecutor, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 3 at Toyin Street, Ikeja.
He said he (the accused) approached the complainant, Miss Itohan along Toyin Street, and introduced himself as a pastor of MFM.
“The accused said he got a revelation from God for her and collected N13,000 from the complainant on the pretext of praying and fasting on her behalf for a possible solution to her problem.
“She became uncomfortable when the accused told her to come for a vigil and decided to inform a relation who also worships at MFM church.
“They informed the church and upon investigation it was discovered that the accused is a fake pastor.
“The MFM church management alerted the police, who arrested the accused,” Aigbokhim said.
According to him, the offences contravene Sections 78, 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes 15 years imprisonment for false pretences, while Section 285 provides a three-year jail term for stealing.
The case was adjourned to June 23 for facts and sentence.
