Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
Winner’s pastor jailed for theft of $90,000 and N4.5m
By Modupe Shodeinde
A pastor of the Living Faith Church, aka Winner’s Chapel, Afolabi Samuel, has been jailed for stealing a sum of $90,000 and N4.5 million belonging to the registered trustees of the Church.
The pastor was tried by a Lagos State special offences court and sentenced to three years in prison.
Samuel, who is the church’s treasurer was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada, on two counts of conspiracy and stealing by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Samuel, alongside Blessing Kolawole, an employee of the Convenant University who is currently at large, took advantage of their positions to swindle the money for personal gains.
The offences contravened sections 278, 285 and 490 of the criminal law of Lagos state No. 11, 2011.
Samuel was found guilty of the charge, however, his lawyer, Rotimi Ogunwuyu pleaded that the court temper justice with Mercy.
He said his client had realised his mistake and changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.
He also pointed out that Samuel was responsible for his children’s education and care of his aged parents.
The judge granted the convict an option of N1m fine and ordered him to refund the sum of $90,000 and N2,358,000 to the church.
