Music Director of Winners Chapel Ghana granted bail

Justice Laryea, Music Director of Winners Chapel Ghana, who is accused of stealing proceeds of a thanksgiving harvest of the religious body, on Thursday appeared for the second time at a Circuit Court in Accra.

Laryea allegedly stole GH¢109,543, $4,546, £195,  €150 and CFA 1,000.

He was granted GH¢20,000 bail with three sureties and ordered to report to the Police every Monday.

The court remanded into Police custody Imoro Aminu, who was picked up by the Police last Wednesday.

Laryea and Aminu are being held for conspiracy, unlawful damage and entry, and stealing.

Ahmed Yakubu, who allegedly took custody of the money, was arrested for dishonestly receiving the money, and was on GH¢10,000 bail with two sureties.

They are all expected to reappear on January 10.

Meanwhile three others, Isaac Ampai, William Addae and Paul Liberty, security men of the church were at large.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alex Odonkor told the court that authorities of Winners Chapel Ghana reported to the Police that its safe had been broken into and the mount had been stolen.

He said Police investigations revealed that Laryea and his accomplices made away with the harvest proceeds after church service and left behind GH¢1,688.

DSP Odonkor said Laryea and his accomplice engaged Aminu, who used gas wielding machine to melt the locks and doors to facilitate their entry into the strong room where the monies were kept.

The prosecution said on December 20, 2011, Laryea arrived at the church premises to worship but he was arrested and interrogated, during which he confessed to the crime and mentioned Ampai, Addae and Liberty as accomplices.

DSP Odonkor said Laryea said he gave his share of the money to Aminu for safekeeping at Sukura, a suburb in Accra.

When the Police proceeded to Sukura, GH¢17,420 which was part of Laryea’s share of the GH¢23,000 and various currencies which were stolen were retrieved.

Later Aminu and Yakubu were picked up.

Source: GNA