The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into an alleged N70.3 million fraud involving a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, in Enugu State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the investigation followed a petition submitted by one of the alleged victims, Okey Uwakwe.
Uwakwe claimed the cleric presented himself as a powerful man of God capable of solving difficult personal and family problems through spiritual interventions.
He alleged that he paid N6.2 million for spiritual services and another N3.2 million after being assured that his sister-in-law, who had reportedly been childless for over 15 years, would conceive.
The petitioner further alleged that the prophet announced to members of his church that he had won N33 billion through a lottery game and encouraged them to contribute money with the promise that they would benefit from the winnings. Uwakwe said he contributed N3.3 million.
He also claimed he invested N500,000 in what was presented as a N1 billion rice processing project, after being told church members could become partners in the venture.
According to the EFCC, Uwakwe said he paid a total of N13.3 million to the cleric without receiving any of the promised results.
The anti-graft agency said its investigation attracted more complaints from members of the ministry, many of whom alleged they had also been deceived into parting with money.
One of the complainants told investigators that church members were encouraged to contribute funds after the prophet claimed he could not access his supposed N33 billion lottery winnings because of spiritual forces blocking the payment.
The victim alleged that members were persuaded to buy what the prophet called “Holy Ghost Thunder” to destroy those spiritual obstacles. According to the EFCC, some members purchased the items at N38,000 each.
Investigators said several worshippers also claimed they were persuaded to buy products such as “miracle stickers”, “spiritual dragons” and “Holy Ghost Thunder” with assurances that the items would bring prosperity, healing or solutions to personal challenges.
The commission said complaints received so far suggest that church members collectively lost about N70.39 million through the various schemes.
EFCC said its preliminary findings indicate that the suspect’s alleged method involved convincing followers to purchase spiritual products and invest in projects tied to promises of miracles, wealth and divine breakthroughs.
Another complainant quoted in the statement said despite making several payments for spiritual interventions, none of the promised outcomes materialised.
The agency said Ajuluchukwucheya remains under investigation and will be charged to court once inquiries are concluded.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
