Muslim Cleric destroys N8.7m church building, arraigned

For allegedly demolishing a church building valued at N8.7
million, an 85-year-old Muslim cleric, Mudasiru Owoyale, was on
Thursday, brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Owoyale, a resident of Aboru area of Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos
suburb, is being tried for conspiracy and damage.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused
committed the offences on Oct. 10, 2017 at Aboru.

The accused and five others still at large conspired and damaged
Jesus Revival Prayer Ministry Church, property of Pastor Mackey
Nwabueze.

“The accused damaged the church by destroying the whole building
from the roof to the foundation.

“The complainant was called by residents of the area that the
accused came with five men to demolish his church.

“He rushed to the scene and saw that it was true and he reported
to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor
told the court.

The offences contravened Sections 351 and 411 of the Criminal
Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Section 351 and 411 prescribe two years jail term for
offenders.

The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted
bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr. J.A. Adigun, who gave the ruling, said the
sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years
tax payment.

The case was adjourned until Feb. 26.

For allegedly demolishing a church building valued at N8.7
million, an 85-year-old Muslim cleric, Mudasiru Owoyale, was on
Thursday, brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in
Lagos.

Owoyale, a resident of Aboru area of Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos
suburb, is being tried for conspiracy and damage.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused
committed the offences on Oct. 10, 2017 at Aboru.

The accused and five others still at large conspired and damaged
Jesus Revival Prayer Ministry Church, property of Pastor Mackey
Nwabueze.

“The accused damaged the church by destroying the whole building
from the roof to the foundation.

“The complainant was called by residents of the area that the
accused came with five men to demolish his church.

“He rushed to the scene and saw that it was true and he reported
to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor
told the court.

The offences contravened Sections 351 and 411 of the Criminal
Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Section 351 and 411 prescribe two years jail term for
offenders.

The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted
bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr. J.A. Adigun, who gave the ruling, said the
sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years
tax payment.

The case was adjourned until Feb. 26.