EFCC Nabs Pastor Over N1.3bn Ford Foundation Scam: Fake Grants And Money Laundering Unveiled

EFCC Nabs Pastor Over N1.3bn Ford Foundation Scam: Fake Grants And Money Laundering Unveiled

In a major crackdown, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International….READ MORE

The pastor is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme, defrauding church members and unsuspecting Nigerians to the tune of N1.3 billion, utilizing counterfeit grants purportedly from the renowned Ford Foundation.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed in a statement on Monday, February 5, 2024, that Ebonyi was arrested for deceiving victims, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and individuals. The pastor allegedly promoted an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation, falsely claiming that the Ford Foundation offered a $20 million grant to support the less privileged.

Under the guise of the phony grant, Ebonyi purportedly persuaded victims to subscribe as beneficiaries by paying for registration forms and clusters, each costing N1.8 million. Through this deceptive arrangement, the pastor allegedly amassed a staggering N1,391,040,274.31 from unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs nationwide.

EFCC investigations revealed that the Ford Foundation had no association with Ebonyi, explicitly disclaiming any links with him or his NGO. Additionally, the Commission has traced five properties acquired by Ebonyi as proceeds from his illicit activities.

Despite the arrest, Ebonyi is reportedly still reaching out to subscribers on social media platforms to market his spurious Ford Foundation grant. He is expected to face charges in court once investigations are concluded.