By Paul Joseph
Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have launched an investigation into a self-acclaimed cleric, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of more than N70.3 million through false spiritual and investment schemes.
According to the EFCC, the suspect allegedly obtained N70,391,600 from worshippers by promising miracles, financial prosperity and lucrative investment opportunities that never materialised.
One of the petitions before the Commission was filed by Okey Uwakwe, who alleged that the cleric presented himself as a genuine man of God capable of bringing back his brother, who had been living abroad since 1997. Uwakwe claimed he paid N6,231,400 for the purported spiritual exercise.
The petitioner further alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya collected another N3,251,200 after claiming he could enable his childless sister-in-law to conceive through spiritual intervention.
According to the EFCC, the suspect also allegedly convinced church members that he had won N33 billion in a lottery and promised contributors a share of the winnings once the money was released. Believing the claim, Uwakwe said he contributed an additional N3,349,000.
The petitioner also alleged that members were persuaded to invest in a proposed N1 billion rice processing business, with promises of becoming partners in the venture. He said he paid N500,000 towards the project, bringing his total payments to N13,331,600 without receiving any of the promised benefits.
The anti-graft agency said more members of the ministry later came forward with similar complaints as investigations progressed.
One victim alleged that the cleric claimed the lottery winnings were being withheld by spiritual forces linked to the lottery organisers and urged members to purchase so-called “Holy Ghost Thunder” at N38,000 each to wage a spiritual battle for the release of the funds.
Investigators also said the suspect allegedly sold other items, including miracle stickers and “spiritual dragons,” claiming they would bring prosperity, protection and solutions to personal problems.
Another complainant told investigators that despite purchasing the spiritual items and making several payments, none of the promised miracles or breakthroughs occurred.
The EFCC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion.
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