Pastor Emmanuel Onwukwe of Apostolic Christian Church Mission Lagos was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate court for allegedly defrauding his member of N2.5 million.

Onwukwe, 50, was dragged to court by the police on a two-count charge of alleged conspiracy and fraud, an offence to which he had pleaded not guilty.

According to the charge sheet, Pastor Onwukwe and one Chief Mike Williams now at large, had between February and April 2008 at Apostolic Christian Church Mission, Gowon Estate, Ipaja in the Ikeja magisterial district, conspired together to commit felony to wit stealing, obtained money by false pretence, an offence contrary and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

"That you Pastor Emmanuel Onwukwe and one Chief Mike Williams now at large, in the month of April, 2008 at Apostolic Christian Church Mission, Gowon Estate, Ipaja in the Ikeja magisterial district did fraudulently obtain, the sum of N2.5 million from Elder Samuel Amueze for the purpose of purchasing motor spare parts for him knowing same to be false and there by committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap C. 17, Vol.11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003," one of the charges reads.

Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Ola Ogunkanmi, however, granted the defendant bail with the sum of N100, 000 with two responsible sureties who must be gainfully employed and the sureties must be family members of the defendant.

Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means, show evidence of tax clearance and the residential address must be verified by the court.

He, however, adjourned till February 24, for trial of the case.