In a startling revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that amounted to N1.3 billion. The pastor allegedly used counterfeit grants from the Ford Foundation, deceiving church members and other Nigerians.
According to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on February 5, 2024, Mr. Ebonyi employed deceptive tactics through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation. He falsely promoted an intervention project, claiming the Ford Foundation was offering a generous $20 million grant to aid the less-privileged in society.
The unsuspecting victims, comprising Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and individuals, were enticed to subscribe as beneficiaries of this fictitious grant. However, the catch was that they had to pay for registration forms and clusters, each subscriber parting with a significant sum of N1,800,000.
The EFCC disclosed that Mr. Ebonyi's fraudulent activities resulted in a staggering sum of N1,391,040,274.31. Shockingly, investigations uncovered that the Ford Foundation had no connection whatsoever with Mr. Ebonyi, disavowing any association with him or his NGO.
The Commission further revealed that the pastor, even after being exposed, continued to reach out to unsuspecting victims through various social media platforms, persistently marketing his deceitful grant from the non-existent Ford Foundation.
In addition to the criminal charges, the EFCC has traced and identified five properties acquired by Mr. Ebonyi as proceeds from his illicit dealings. The Commission is resolute in bringing the pastor to justice and ensuring he faces the full legal consequences of his actions.
As investigations are ongoing, the EFCC urges the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to this case. Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi is expected to be charged to court promptly once investigations are concluded.
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