Crime
EFCC Nabbed Pastor Over N1.3bn Fake Grants and Money Laundering
EFCC Nabbed Pastor Over N1.3bn Fake Grants and Money Laundering
The recent arrest of the General Overseer of Faith on the Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sent shockwaves through the nation. The arrest comes in the wake of allegations that Ebonyi defrauded church members and other Nigerians by falsely claiming to secure grants from the Ford Foundation amounting to a staggering N1,319,040,274.31.
According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Ebonyi is accused of deceiving his victims, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals, by promoting an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation. He purported that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20 billion to aid the less-privileged in society.
The alleged modus operandi involved persuading individuals to register as beneficiaries of the purported grant by paying for registration forms and clusters, with each subscriber parting with N1.8 million. As a result, Ebonyi allegedly amassed a total of N1,391,040,274.31. It is important to note that the subscribers were innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs from across the country.
The EFCC’s investigations revealed that the Ford Foundation had no association, grant, relationship, or business dealings with Ebonyi. In fact, the Foundation explicitly disassociated itself from him and his NGO, emphatically stating that it had no ties with either party. The EFCC’s statement also disclosed that the commission had traced five properties acquired by Ebonyi as proceeds of his illicit activities.
Disturbingly, despite the ongoing investigations, Ebonyi is allegedly still using social media platforms to promote his fictitious Ford Foundation grant, as reported by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency has stated its intention to arraign Ebonyi in court as soon as the investigations are concluded.
This disconcerting revelation serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of fraudulent activities within our society and the need for heightened vigilance. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to exercise due diligence and skepticism when presented with offers that seem too good to be true. The EFCC’s swift action in apprehending Ebonyi underscores its commitment to combating financial crimes and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As the case unfolds, it is imperative for the public to remain informed and vigilant and for authorities to continue their efforts in safeguarding the financial well-being of citizens and upholding the integrity of grant and aid programs. The EFCC’s dedication to pursuing justice in this matter is commendable and reaffirms the importance of upholding ethical and legal standards in all financial dealings.
In conclusion, the arrest of Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi serves as a sobering reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all financial endeavors. It is incumbent upon all individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and cautious in the face of enticing offers and for regulatory bodies to continue their unwavering commitment to upholding justice and combating financial malfeasance.
As the EFCC continues its investigations, the outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, and it is essential for all stakeholders to closely monitor its developments. The pursuit of justice in cases of financial fraud is paramount to maintaining the trust and integrity of financial systems and ensuring the protection of individuals and organizations from exploitation.
