Man sentenced to 5 years for impersonating pastor

A Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced a man, David Praise-Diri, to five years imprisonment for impersonating a pastor at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM).

The Chief Magistrate, Bola Folarin-Williams, sentenced Praise-Diri to five years imprisonment after he admitted committing the offence.

"Since it is clear to this court that you are an habitual offender and you are not ready to work hard to make a living, you will serve the jail term without an option of fine," Folarin-Williams said.

The convict was arraigned on June 16 on three-count charge of impersonation, obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

He pleaded guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Benedict Aigbokhim, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 3 at Toyin Street, Ikeja.

Aigbokhim said the accused approached the complainant, Miss Itohan, along Toyin Street and introduced himself as a pastor of MFM.

"The accused said he got a revelation from God for her and collected N13, 000 from the complainant on the pretext of praying and fasting on her behalf for a possible solution to her problem.

"She became uncomfortable when the accused told her to come for a vigil and decided to inform a relation who also worships at MFM church.

"They informed the church and upon investigation it was discovered that the accused is a fake pastor.

"The MFM church management alerted the police, who arrested the accused," he said.

According to him, the offences contravened Sections 78, 285 and 312 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

- NAN