Some of the leaders of the Church

In a case that highlights the hidden wealth of Nigerian churches, the Police in Ogun state on Monday arraigned two men, Akapo Paul,73, and Johnson Shorinnolu,63, for allegedly stealing  $14 million belonging to the West African Christian Mission.

They were charged  before an Ota Magistrates’ Court

The accused, whose addresses are unknown, are facing two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.

The Prosecutor, Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in 2015 at about 9:30 pm at West African Christian Mission at 49 Tarmac Road, Ota.

Mustapha alleged that the accused conspired, as signatories to the bank account of West African Christian Mission, to steal $14 million.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 390 (8) (b) and 516 of the Criminal Code Vol.1, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, admitted them to bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction and should be gainfully employed.

Adelaja also directed the sureties to swear to an affidavit of means and show evidence of tax payments to Ogun Government.

The magistrate adjourned the case till May 20 for hearing.

On its website, West African Christian Mission the West African Christian Mission, says it  is  a relatively new evangelistic program.

It was started in 2004 almost by accident.

West African Mission is based in Nigeria and Cameroon and supports one missionary in each of these countries.

Tom Ekpot Jr. is the missionary in Jos, Nigeria and also teaches at the School of Biblical Studies in Jos.

Abasiama Archibong is a  Nigerian who has moved to Limbe, Cameroon where he serves as the minister for the Mile One Church of Christ.

The church has a link with a parent church in Georgia USA.