The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into the activities of a self-acclaimed prophet, 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 various schemes disguised as spiritual interventions and investment opportunities.
According to an official signed statement by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, operatives of the Commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate launched the investigation following a petition filed by one of the alleged victims, Okey Uwakwe.
The petitioner alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya presented himself as a genuine man of God with supernatural powers capable of resolving personal and family challenges. Uwakwe claimed he paid the suspect over N6.2 million for spiritual services aimed at persuading his brother, who had lived abroad since 1997, to return to Nigeria.
He further alleged that the cleric collected an additional N3.25 million after promising to help his sister-in-law conceive following more than 15 years of childlessness.
The petitioner also accused the suspect of persuading church members to contribute financially after claiming he had won N33 billion through a lottery scheme. According to the complaint, members were assured that those who supported him financially would benefit from the purported winnings. Uwakwe said he contributed N3.34 million under the arrangement.
In another alleged scheme, church members were encouraged to invest in a proposed rice processing venture reportedly valued at N1 billion. The petitioner said he contributed N500,000 with the expectation of becoming a business partner.
According to the EFCC, Uwakwe claimed to have paid a total of N13.33 million to the suspect without receiving any of the promised benefits.
The Commission disclosed that as investigations progressed, additional members of the ministry came forward with similar allegations, claiming they had also been deceived into parting with large sums of money.
One of the complainants alleged that church members were persuaded to purchase what the suspect described as “Holy Ghost Thunder” to combat a supposed spiritual force preventing the release of his alleged N33 billion lottery winnings. The member claimed each item was sold for N38,000 and that congregants were encouraged to purchase large quantities.
Investigators further revealed that the suspect allegedly marketed several products to worshippers, including miracle stickers, spiritual dragons and Holy Ghost Thunder, promising prosperity and solutions to personal problems.
Another victim told investigators that despite spending money on the spiritual items, none of the promised breakthroughs materialised and his challenges remained unresolved.
The EFCC said the total amount allegedly collected from members of the ministry stands at N70,391,600.
The Commission added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion.
