A magistrates’ court in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a bricklayer, Olushola Olatunde, to 21 years in prison for breaking into churches and stealing various items, including an iron tithe box.
Olatunde faced a six-count charge of burglary, unlawful entry, and theft after being apprehended by the police.
The stolen items, valued at a total of N1,340,900, included audio equipment, a generator, building materials, and cash.
According to the prosecutor, D.S. Msonter-Shagba, the offences were committed between December 24, 2024, and January 8, 2025, at different locations in Akure.
Msonter-Shagba detailed that on December 24, 2024, Olatunde broke into the Revelation of God Miracle Church at No. 17, Plaza Road, Isolo, Akure, stealing a 16-channel audio mixer and a public address system, each valued at N250,000.
On January 8, 2025, he targeted the Garden of Faith (CAC) Church at No. 7, Ore-Ofe Street, Oke Ijebu, Akure, taking items such as an amplifier worth N230,000, a generator valued at N250,000, 12mm rods worth N19,600, and an iron tithe box worth N35,000—bringing the total to N534,600.
Additionally, on December 24, 2024, Olatunde stole 33 bags of cement worth N306,900 from Shasha Market along Owo Express Road.
The prosecutor noted that these acts violated sections 383, 390(9), 415, and 413(2) of the Criminal Code of Ondo State, 2006.
While Olatunde admitted to selling some of the stolen items and pleaded for mercy, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni handed down a 21-year sentence without the option of a fine, emphasizing the severity of his crimes.