MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 12-year old notorious suspect, Master Walidi Bashir, has been arrested and charged for allegedly burgling a church and carting away property worth N.850m. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Chapel of Christ De Light Church located at CBD area of Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspect was alleged to have burgled the church on 28th May, 2024 and carted away property including air conditioners,  tyres, wheelbarrow, iron rods and plastic chairs worth the amount in question and escaped.

Again, the suspect, Bashir, on 8th June, 2024, went to the same church to steal unknown to him that the church management had fortified security within the church. He was eventually caught while attempting to steal another property and was handed over to the Commissioner of Police Special Squad, Ikeja Police Command and was detained for interrogation.

During interrogation, the boy reportedly admitted to have gone to the church twice to steal but declined to mention other members of his gang.

The Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged conspiracy and stealing.

However, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector John Iberedem, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.

The Oresiding Magistrate, Mrs. Ex. Kubenije, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned till 7th August, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in juvenile custody pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.