A 45-year-old pastor, Bienose Chukwuka, was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on a 33-count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretence.
The defendant was accused by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), of stealing and obtaining N5.3 million by false pretence from 15 persons, including Pastor John Ezeugo and Rev. Peter Emeka.
EFCC counsel, Mr. Ben Ubi, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Justice Justice Lawal Akapo adjourned the matter till December 1, 2 and 3 for commencement of trial and held that the defendant should continue on the bail granted him by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.
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