Fake 'pastor' docked over alleged N6m-prayer fraud

A 38-year-old 'pastor', Ilimesekhe Ogie, on Wednesday appeared before an Ojo Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State for allegedly obtaining N6 million from Rufus Ezuluka to do prayers for him to become a rich man.

The accused pastor, whose address was not disclosed in court, is facing a-two-count charge bordering on fraud.

The prosecutor, Insp. Uche Simon, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 7, 2014 at Alaba International Market in Ojo.

"The accused on the said date did conspire to commit felony to wit stealing money from a prayer client for prayers to become rich.

"Ogie did conspire and collected N4.2million from Ezuluka who said he needed prayers to become a rich man.

"Ezuluka gave Mbisike Ekene the sum of N1.8million so that he could be linked to the pastor for prayers," he said.

Simon further said that Ezuluka , a salesman, unlawfully, collected the monies from his boss, Enoch Okwunne, who owns an electrical wire shop.

Simon said that the offence contravened Sections 409 and 326 of Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Chief Magistrate Paul Adedamola granted him bail in the sum of N10.5 million with two sureties in the like sum.

Adedamola said that one of the sureties must be a civil servant, be gainfully employed and must also present evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and then adjourned the case to June 27, for further hearing.