A pastor, Matthew Akinola, was on Monday charged before a Somolu
Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over an alleged theft of N2.4 million
belonging to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Akinola, 50, was the parish treasurer of the church located at No. 33,
Market St., Somolu, Lagos.
The accused, who lives at No. 16a Church St., Pedro, Somolu, Lagos,
pleaded not guilty to a two count-charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Akinlabi Adegoke, told the court that the accused
had in December 2013 embezzled N2.4 belonging to the church.
Adegoke said the fraud was discovered following an audit of the church
financial records.
“Akinola was in charge of the treasury of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God coordinated by the pastor-in-charge, one Pastor James
Ojo.
“After the 2013 year-end audit, it was discovered that N2,490,982 was
unaccounted for in the church’s account records,” he said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of
the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused N200,000 bail with
two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until April 4 for
trial
