Nigeria, June 24 -- The defendants, Austine Akue and Mohammed Abdul, were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief and theft.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution counsel, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the case was reported by the complainant, Mr Lucky Nwokeji, at the Life Camp Police Station on June 15.

According to Nwachukwu, the defendants allegedly invaded Gospel Power Assembly Church, damaged its perimeter fence and carted away 45 concrete blocks.

She said police investigations revealed that the suspects made confessional statements admitting to the offence, adding that the stolen blocks were subsequently recovered.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 42, 97 and 288 of...