Faith On The Rock Ministry General Overseer Nabbed By EFCC For N1.3bn Ford Foundation Grant Scam

Eko Hot Blog reports that the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Theophilus Ebonyi, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of defrauding church members and other Nigerians.

EDITOR’S PICK:

• Kano Hisbah Arrests 52 Keke Riders Over Alleged Immoral Haircuts And Unlawful Activities
• Femi Otedola Expresses Joy As He Makes Forbes’ Africa Billionaires List After Seven Years
• Naval Chief Faces Allegations Of N8 Billion Fraud And Oil Theft – Coalition Urges Probe

The pastor is accused of orchestrating a scam involving fake grants from the Ford Foundation, amounting to N1,319,040,274.31.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the pastor was arrested for deceiving victims, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, by advertising an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation. Ebonyi allegedly claimed that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20 billion to assist the less privileged in society.

“He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phony grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters,” stated Oyewale. “Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000. Through this arrangement, Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040,274.31. His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country.”

EFCC investigations revealed that the Ford Foundation had no connection with the general overseer, and the foundation explicitly disclaimed any affiliation with him and his NGO.

The anti-corruption agency also traced five properties acquired by Ebonyi as proceeds of his alleged criminal activities.

“The commission has also traced five properties he acquired as proceeds of his criminal dealings. Ebonyi is still reportedly reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation. He would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Oyewale added.

FUTHER READING:

• Kano Hisbah Arrests 52 Keke Riders Over Alleged Immoral Haircuts And Unlawful Activities
• Grand Return: NRC Set To Relaunch Lagos-Kano Express Train Service
• Opinion!!! Sanwo-Olu And The Pursuit Of A Social Market Economy (2)

The arrest serves as a stern warning against fraudulent activities, and the EFCC remains committed to ensuring that individuals engaging in financial crimes face the full consequences of their actions.

Click to watch our video of the week