17-yr-old boy arrested after he snatched a bag in a church in Lagos

A 17-year-old boy, Ridwan Onigbede, who sneaked into a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos during a service to snatch a bag from a worshipper, has been arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates' Court, after the church members caught him as he tried to make away with the bag.

The teenager who told the court that he is an 'Okada' (Commercial motorcycle) rider, was siad to have sneaked into the church while the members were in prayers and stole the bag but luck ran out on him as he was caught as he attempted to sneak out of the church premises.


Onigbede, who resides at No. 10, Obajimi Street, Surulere, was slammed with a two-count charge bordering on stealing and breach of peace.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Emada Victor, told the court that the accused had, on April 10, unlawfully entered the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Mushin, and stole a handbag valued at N50,000, and a wristwatch belonging to one Taiwo Ajoke.

Inspector Victor further narrated that the owner of the bag raised an alarm which alerted other worshippers who went after the accused and he was arrested and handed over to the police, adding that the offences contravened Sections 306 and 166 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and the Magistrate, E.O. Ogunkanni, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000, with one surety in like sum, while adjourning the case till May 5 for mention.