Pastor Hammond Love, popularly known as Pastor Love, has been sentenced to 4 years (48 months) in prison with hard labor. The ex-husband of gospel star, Obaapa Christy was found guilty of theft following a seven year long legal battle.
The court presided over by Isaac Addo, found Pastor Love guilty of stealing an SUV entrusted to him. Pastor Love reportedly pleaded for mercy before the court. The accused expressed his willingness to pay any fine imposed on him.
How did a “Man of God” find himself slapped with a prison sentence? Well let me break it down.
In 2016 Samuel Amankwah, a resident of the United States of America and also a childhood friend of Pastor Love, shipped a Toyota Highlander into Ghana. He asked the accused to clear it from the port.
According to ASP Frimpong, Samuel Amankwah told Pastor Love to sell the vehicle at US$50,000 and deduct his duty money after clearing the vehicle.
The complainant (Samuel Amankwah) later informed the accused (Pastor Love) not to sell the vehicle and that he will arrive in Ghana in April and pay his money.
When Amankwah arrived in Ghana in April 2017, Pastor Love could not produce the vehicle upon the complainants numerous requests. Amankwah filed a complaint with the police, leading to Pastor Love’s arrest in May 2017.
Pastor Love revealed during a police interrogation that he obtained a loan of GH¢40,000 with 20 per cent interest to clear the vehicle and was accruing more interest at the time. Pastor Love disclosed that he sold the vehicle at GH¢80,000 without the consent of the owner and paid GH¢70,000 to the loan company.
When Pastor Love was asked to produce details about the loan company and new car owner , Pastor Love was found wanting.
The court held that as a Pastor, the convict was expected to hold a high level of integrity, especially in matters of trust.
