Afolabi Samuel, a pastor, has been remanded in correctional custody for allegedly stealing $90,000 and N4.5 million belonging to the Registered Trustees of the Living Faith Church, Cannanland, Ota, Ogun State.
Mr. Samuel, an accountant, was arraigned on Monday, November 25, 2019, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, on a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy before Justice Mojisola Dada.
S. O. Daji, an EFCC prosecutor, alleged that the defendants, who worked as treasurer of the church, committed the offences sometime between September 24, 2018, and December 31, 2018, in Lagos.
The anti-graft agency said Samuel and one Blessing Kolawole, a staff of Covenant University, now at large, conspired and stole the money and property of the Living Faith Church trustees.
The pastor and Kolawole were accused of converting the sum of $90, 000 and N4.5 million to their own personal use.
A petition to EFCC by Chioma Okwuanyi & Co Legal Practitioners claimed that Pastor Samuel was employed in the accounts department of the church to maintain proper records of funds.
The law firm, acting as solicitors to the church trustees, said that both Samuel and Kolawole connived with others and took ‘criminal advantage’ of their positions as church treasurer and staff of the university.
Dada remanded Samuel and adjourned the matter till December 10, 2019.
