A 44-year-old pastor, David Eludi, who allegedly obtained the sum of N352,000 from a woman under false pretences, has been dragged before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendant, said to be a pastor, was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Dr Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in November at Jakande area of Ajangbadi in Ojo.

He said that the defendant conspired with others, now at large, to collect the sum of N352,000 from one Florence Samuel, with a promise to use the funds to liberate her from family curses through prayer.

Uche said that the representation was found to be false, as the defendant failed to embark on any prayer for family liberation.

The prosecutor said that the defendant converted the funds to his own personal use, without the consent of the complainant.

The offences, according to him, contravene the provisions of Sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mr L.K.J. Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Jan. 12, 2024 for mention. (NAN)