EFCC apprehends pastor for N1.3 billion fraud

●Money laundering through fake ford foundation grants

In a breakthrough, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully apprehended the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, on charges of orchestrating a staggering N1.3 billion fraud scheme through counterfeit grants and money laundering activities.

Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi allegedly defrauded church members, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals to the tune of N1,319,040,274.31 by falsely advertising an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation.

The scam involved claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20,000,000 to assist the less-privileged in society.

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Victims were lured into subscribing as beneficiaries of the purported grant by paying for registration forms and clusters, each costing N1,800,000.

This deceptive scheme enabled Ebonyi to amass a total of N1,391,040,274.31.

The unsuspecting victims included individuals and NGOs nationwide.

Investigations conducted by the EFCC showed that there was no legitimate arrangement, grant, relationship, or business between Ebonyi and the Ford Foundation.

The Foundation explicitly disclaimed any association with him and his NGO, emphasizing no link whatsoever.

Furthermore, the EFCC has successfully traced five properties acquired by Ebonyi as proceeds of his criminal activities.

Despite his arrest, reports suggest that Ebonyi is still attempting to reach his subscribers through various social media platforms to promote his fraudulent grant scheme.

Once the investigations are concluded, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi will face charges in court for his alleged involvement in the fraudulent activities.

The EFCC remains committed to ensuring justice is served in this case, sending a clear message against financial crimes and fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting citizens.