A suspected theft at a popular church in Epe has drawn attention after a man was reportedly caught taking money from an offering and intentions box within the church premises.
Epe Insights reports that the incident was reportedly captured by the church’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, which later assisted church authorities in identifying the suspect.
According to reports, the suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.
Following the development, the priest reportedly ordered his release after the suspect wrote an undertaking.
Addressing members of the congregation, the priest used the incident to emphasise the importance of honesty, discipline and respect for other people’s property.
He urged worshippers to do what is right at all times, regardless of whether they are being watched by security personnel or surveillance cameras.
The priest stressed that good character should come from personal conviction rather than fear of being caught.
He encouraged members to make the fear of God and a clear conscience guiding principles in their daily lives.
According to him, surveillance cameras can help strengthen security, but technology alone cannot replace personal responsibility.
He noted that people should maintain integrity even in places where there are no cameras or security officers.
The priest also appealed to young people within the congregation to respect church property and avoid actions that could negatively affect their future.
He advised them to consider the possible consequences of their decisions before engaging in activities that could bring regret.
The incident has also provided an opportunity for the church to remind members of the need to protect facilities and property provided for worship and community activities.
The priest urged worshippers to treat church property with the same level of care and respect they would give to their personal belongings.
He further encouraged members to report unusual activities to church authorities through the appropriate channels.
The church’s use of CCTV surveillance was also highlighted as part of its efforts to strengthen security within its premises.
However, the priest maintained that security equipment should complement, rather than replace, moral discipline.
He said the presence of cameras should not be the reason people behave responsibly.
Instead, he encouraged members to develop the personal discipline required to make the right choices at all times.
The message resonated with the broader need for communities to promote honesty, accountability and respect for shared property.
The priest also reminded parents and guardians of the importance of teaching children and young people good values from an early age.
He encouraged families to reinforce the principles of honesty, responsibility and respect both at home and within the wider community.
The development has generated conversations around the role of technology and personal values in protecting public and religious facilities.
While CCTV can help identify incidents and support security efforts, the priest emphasised that prevention also depends on responsible behaviour.
He urged members of the congregation to remain committed to peaceful and responsible conduct.
The priest concluded by encouraging worshippers to allow their conscience and faith to guide their actions.
He said doing the right thing should not depend on whether someone is watching.
The church leadership also encouraged members to continue supporting efforts to maintain a secure and orderly worship environment.
The incident, according to the message delivered to the congregation, should serve as a lesson on the importance of integrity and personal responsibility.
Rather than focusing solely on surveillance, the priest urged members to cultivate values that would guide them even when no monitoring system is available.
He reiterated his appeal to young people to protect their reputation and future by making responsible choices.
The church further encouraged members to cooperate with security arrangements while maintaining mutual trust and respect.
The incident has therefore become an opportunity to reinforce the message that honesty remains important in every circumstance.
The priest urged worshippers to uphold their values at home, in church and within the wider community.
He expressed hope that the experience would encourage greater responsibility and respect for church property among members.
The church leadership’s message ultimately centred on the importance of doing what is right, whether or not anyone is watching.
