Pastor arraigned for using church premises as hide-out to sell stolen vehicles

One Pastor Felix Otulukwu, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command and arraigned before an Igbosere magistrates’ court after seven alleged stolen vehicles worth over N30 million were reportedly found inside his church for sale, PM news reports.

Among the vehicles recovered from his church, were Toyota Hiace bus worth N15m, Two Toyota Camry worth N3m, Toyota Highlanders worth N3m and two Toyota Hilux worth Over N15m.

Reports claim the pastor who opened a church in Agbor, Delta state, was using the church premises to hide stolen vehicles which he reworked and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

He was, however, apprehended after his unnamed former manager informed the police of his criminal activities.

Police officers alleged that the suspect conspired with some armed robbers to steal a Camry car at 24 Ondo street in Oke Ina in Ogba, Lagos, belonging to one Emmanuel Imo and escaped in February 2015.

The police added that in February 2015 at Demeru road, Ketu, the suspect received a suspected stolen Toyota hilux and other vehicles allegedly worth millions of naira.

To conceal his criminal activities, Otulukwu was said to have presented some documents to the police which were discovered to be fake.

However, Felix pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs S.K. Matepo granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum.

Matepo ordered that he be remanded in Ikoyi prison until he satisfies the conditions of his bail.

The magistrate then adjourned the case till December 9, for mention.