Two unemployed men, Bright Oriakwu and Babajide Akinola, on Monday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court over alleged armed robbery of items worth N680, 000 from a church.

The accused, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, burglary and belonging to unlawful society.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Mr Tunde Sunmonu, told the court that the accused committed the offences with some others still at large from Nov. 27, 2015, to Dec. 29, 2015, at No. 4, Ezimorah St., off Marwa Road, Ijegun, Satellite Town, Lagos.

Sunmonu said that the accused  broke into the Redeemed Christian Church of God and stole stereo mixers, amplifiers and four speakers.

Sunmonu also said that the accused also robbed some people in the church premises at gunpoint.

“The accused, while armed with a gun, robbed one Mr Chigozie Orgwu of his HP Laptop worth N200, 000, two mobile phones worth N110, 000, a digital external drive worth N100, 000, a watch worth N70, 000 and N200, 000,” he said.

Sunmonu said the accused were caught while they were being initiated into ‘Eiye’ secret cult.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 42 (a), 297 (a), 311 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in custody, and prayed for an accelerated trial.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye remanded the accused in  prison and adjourned the case until March 11 for substantive trial. (NAN)