A 43-year-old pastor, Nehemiah Elijah, who allegedly obtained N725, 000 under pretence, was on Friday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates' Court in Lagos.

Elijah, who resides at No. 13 Edom St., Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraud.

The prosecutor, Insp. Okoi Edet, told the court that the accused had on May 5, 2011 at Ojo Area, Lagos, obtained the sum of N725, 000 from one Mr Cyprian Ezegbo.

Edet said Elijah received the money from Ezegbo, under the pretext of obtaining a Qatar Visa for his son.

The prosecutor said that the accused, with some others now at large, did not honour the agreement.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409, of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Dan Oni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till Feb. 19 for mention.

NAN