Clergyman docked after absconding with N870,000 meant for ‘spiritual oil’

A-70- year-old clergyman has landed in court after collecting N870,000 to buy “spiritual oil” for washing and cleaning dollar notes.

Emmanuel Bello, who resides in Idimu, appeared before an Ikeja magistrate’s court in Lagos to face three counts of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

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Prosecutors told the court Bello fraudulently obtained the money from Mrs Bilikisu Olabisi, with a promise to supply “spiritual oil “ for the washing and cleaning of dollar notes.

The defendant and others, at large, committed the offence on March 2 at Council area of Idimu, Lagos State, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Mojirade Edeme, told the court.

“After the defendant collected the money, he absconded and all efforts to retrieve her money failed.

“The complainant reported the case and the defendant was eventually arrested,”the prosecutor said.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 prescribes three years’ jail term for stealing while section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

Magistrate O.O Raji admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Raji said that the surety should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government(LASG).

The magistrate fixed further hearing for Oct. 20.(NAN)