A 58-year-old believed to be a pastor, Sam Ekeh, was on Tuesday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged theft of N16 million.

The accused, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, perverting the cause of justice and theft.

The prosecutor, ASP Anyanwun Godwin, told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences between November and December 2013 at Fareast Mercantile Company Ltd at Plot 721, Ademola St., Victoria Island, Lagos.

He alleged that the accused stood as a referee for a man, Lawrence Njoku at the company and that he was a man of integrity fit to work.

`` Njoku turned out to be a fraud and he has absconded with the company's N16 million.’’

The offences contravened Sections 97(1), 409 and 413 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. F. A. Ojo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to Aug. 24 for trial. (NAN)

*Photo shows Yaba Magistrate Court