A Former Pastor of Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI) has appeared before Accra Circuit Court,for allegedly stealing car worth GH¢80,000, belonging to the church
Emmanuel Oko Mensah,who is said to have refused to return the Elantra Hyundai Saloon car after he resigned from the church, in October, 2019.
Former pastor Mensah charged with stealing, who pleaded not guilty, was granted GH¢ 150,000 bail with two sureties, and expected to reappear on October 12.
Mr Kofi Bentil, counsel of accused, arguing for bail told the court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah, that accused should be admitted to bail because he owned a church and he had a fixed place of abode.
According to Mr Bentil, his client had co-operated with the police during investigation and that he would be available to stand trial when granted bail.
Police Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu, who held brief for Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, narrated that the complainant, Rebecca EdiahAddae,was the LCI Director of Human Resource.
Chief Insp Apiorsonrnu said on June 13, this year, the complainant petitioned the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service against the accused, saying he (accused) had stolen a Hyundai Elantra saloon car.
Prosecution said according to the petitioner, accused was an ex-employee of LCI who was officially given the car for his official duties.
Chief Insp Apiorsonrnu said accused resigned from the church in October, 2019, but he failed to hand over his official car allotted to him.
The court heard that on June 23, this year, accused was arrested and when he was interrogated, he admitted having in his possession the car.
Chief Insp Apiorsonrnu said accused claimed the church authorities of LCI demanded the vehicle from former pastor Mensah.
Prosecution said accused claimed that it had been the practice of LCI that claims of pastors leaving the church were paid before official vehicles were returned.
When the police demanded the vehicle, accused brought it to the police for further action.-GNA
