Theo O Ebonyi, a prominent Nigerian pastor based in Benue state, has been arrested over allegations of fraudulent activities resulting in the loss of over 1.3 billion naira ($930,000) from his followers and others.
The pastor, who leads the Faith on the Rock Ministry International church, was detained and subsequently released on bail last year, although this information has only recently come to light, according to a spokesperson from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The allegations against Mr. Ebonyi include deceiving victims into paying a $1,300 fee each to access a purported $20 billion grant from the US-based Ford Foundation. However, investigations by the EFCC revealed that there was no such grant offered by the foundation, and they explicitly disclaimed any association with Mr Ebonyi or his NGO.
Furthermore, the EFCC alleges that Mr Ebonyi misappropriated the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase five properties. The agency is still finalizing its investigations but intends to bring charges against him in court.
Despite Mr Ebonyi’s denial of the allegations, the EFCC spokesperson confirmed his arrest and subsequent release on bail, emphasizing that the investigation had been ongoing for some time before the arrest was made public.
The case underscores the prevalence of financial fraud and the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes, particularly within religious organizations where trust and belief are often deeply entrenched.
