A 22-year-old man, Atofeyinti Gafar, has been sentenced to two years in prison by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for stealing items valued at over N1.7 million from both a church and a mosque. The sentencing took place at the Isabo court after Gafar pleaded guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy, burglary, and theft.

The prosecutor, Insp. Opeyemi Lawal, informed the court that Gafar committed the thefts at two different times. The first incident occurred in May when he unlawfully entered the premises of the C & S Orisun Ibukun Goshen Church located in the Itoko Area of Abeokuta. During this break-in, he stole an amplifier engine worth N350,000, a 6 by 6 foam valued at N250,000, and two speakers costing N200,000. Additional items taken included a stove and cooking utensils worth N170,000, two bells valued at N40,000, and some wire worth N50,000.

In a subsequent incident on October 18, Gafar broke into the Allahu Rahamon Islamic Society, where he stole an amplifier engine valued at N450,000 and four speakers worth N250,000. The total value of all items stolen from both locations amounted to N1.7 million.

Gafar's illegal activities came to an end when he was apprehended by local vigilante officers, which led to his arrest. The prosecutor highlighted that Gafar's actions violated Sections 390(9) and 412 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

Following Gafar's guilty plea, Magistrate Miss O.T. Odubanjo sentenced him to two years' imprisonment for each count of conspiracy and stealing, with the sentences to run concurrently and no option for a fine. This ruling underscores the court's commitment to addressing crimes against religious institutions in the area.