How we planned to beat pastor, steal N1.5m – Methodist church members

Two members – Ogundijo Abiola and the church drummer, Alabi Olukunle, of a Methodist Church Cathedral in Ibadan, Oyo State have been arrested for planning to rob the church with intent to cart away N1.5m.

Abiola and the church drummer, Olukunle had invited a gang of armed robbers to invade the church and cart away the money with the plan to share the loot with the robbers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Adekunle Ajisebutu, who paraded the suspects on Friday before newsmen said the duo was arrested during the last Sunday service.

According to him, “The anti-robbery squad of the command foiled an armed robbery attack on the church in Ibadan on November 6, 2016 and arrested two members of the church for their involvement in the crime.

“The robbery was at its final planning stage when they were arrested,” the PPRO said, noting that the planned robbery was conceived by the two suspects, who invited the gang to rob the church of the large sum of money.

The 43-year-old prime suspect, Abiola, in his confession before newsmen said “I contacted my accomplice on Saturday and told him that there was enough money to steal in the church.

“I also told him that the money would be shared equally.”

On his part, Olukunle, 25, said Abiola contacted him and told him that he needed people who could handle the church priest.

“Abiola said he wanted to beat the priest and then rob the church of N1.5m.

“I know a thug so I contacted him and he agreed to do it, but Abiola called me again to halt the operation and I did.

“But on Sunday, police came to the church and arrested us.

“I am only a drummer in the church, please spare me,” Olukunle added.

The PPRO stated that the matter was under investigation and the duo will be arraigned soon.

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