I steal phones from churches – Suspect

A 19-year-old suspected pickpocket arrested by the police in Lagos has said he usually steals mobile phones in churches during Sunday service. Udoh Abraham said that Sunday church services provided him the opportunity to remove phones from bags, particularly during offering time. He said church worshippers’ were often careless, leaving their valuables unprotected.  Abraham, who […]

A 19-year-old suspected pickpocket arrested by the police in Lagos has said he usually steals mobile phones in churches during Sunday service.

Udoh Abraham said that Sunday church services provided him the opportunity to remove phones from bags, particularly during offering time. He said church worshippers’ were often careless, leaving their valuables unprotected. 

Abraham, who was arraigned on Friday at Isolo Chief Magistrate’s court, told the court that he had stolen countless number of phones from churches.

The accused, who pleaded guilty before the court, asked for leniency and promised that he will not engage in such act again if pardoned.

The police said the accused was arrested at Inspiration of Jesus Church located at Freedom Street, Itire, Lagos during a night vigil.

The police said Abraham allegedly joined other worshippers during the service and pretended to be one of them not knowing he had another motive.

According to the police, the accused moved discreetly from one place to another till at the close of service which ended around 2am.

“It was while they were still there and some of them had slept that Abraham secretly went and stole Pastors Oluwashide Bunmi and Segun Olaniyan phones and hid them in his pocket.

“He was nabbed while he was attempting to escape; because unknown to him some of the worshippers saw him and raised alarm. He was handed over to the police at Itire Division and the phones were recovered as exhibits by the police,” the police said.

The prosecutor, Mr Oje Uagbale, said that the accused was charged on a two count charge of stealing and acts likely to cause a breach of peace.

Abraham pleaded passionately and told the court that he had realised his mistake and will not engage in it again. 

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Teluwo, found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to community service with stern warning that if he stole and was brought to court again, he will stay longer in prison.