An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, Ogun State, has sentenced a 22-year-old man, Atofeyinti Gafar, to two years’ imprisonment for stealing valuables worth over ₦1.7 million from a church and a mosque.

The defendant, who has no fixed address, was convicted after pleading guilty to a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Opeyemi Lawal, told the court that the offences were committed at different times in the Itoko area of Abeokuta.

Lawal explained that the defendant unlawfully entered the premises of C & S Orisun Ibukun Goshen Church in May, where he stole several valuables.

The items reportedly included an amplifier engine valued at ₦350,000, a 6-by-6 foam worth ₦250,000 and two speakers valued at ₦200,000.

Other stolen properties included a stove and cooking utensils worth ₦170,000, two bells valued at ₦40,000 and electrical wires estimated at ₦50,000.

The prosecutor further informed the court that on October 18, the defendant allegedly broke into the premises of Allahu Rahamon Islamic Society, where he stole an amplifier engine valued at ₦450,000 and four speakers worth ₦250,000.

Lawal put the combined value of the stolen items from both religious institutions at approximately ₦1.7 million.

He added that the defendant was apprehended by local vigilante officers, who subsequently handed him over to the police for prosecution.

The prosecutor said the offences violated Sections 390(9) and 412 of the Criminal Code, Volume 1, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Delivering her judgment on Tuesday, Magistrate O.T. Odubanjo convicted Gafar following his guilty plea.

The magistrate sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and stealing, without an option of fine on each count.

She, however, directed that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve both terms at the same time.