The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a self-acclaimed prophet, Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of more than N70.3 million.
In a statement issued by the EFCC on Wednesday, operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate are probing claims that the suspect collected large sums of money from worshippers through promises of spiritual solutions, investment opportunities and prosperity schemes.
One of the petitioners, Okey Uwakwe, alleged that the prophet convinced him to pay N6.23 million for spiritual works aimed at persuading his brother, who had lived abroad since 1997, to return home.
Uwakwe further claimed that Ajuluchukwucheya collected N3.25 million after assuring him that he could help his childless sister-in-law conceive after more than 15 years without a child.
The petitioner also alleged that the suspect told members of his church he had won N33 billion in a lotto game and promised financial rewards to those who contributed money to help him access the funds. Uwakwe said he contributed N3.35 million to the scheme.
In another alleged investment arrangement, church members were reportedly encouraged to invest in a proposed N1 billion rice processing machine business. Uwakwe said he paid N500,000 to become a partner in the venture.
The petitioner claimed he paid a total of N13.33 million to the suspect without receiving any of the promised benefits.
As investigations progressed, more worshippers reportedly approached the EFCC with similar allegations. One church member alleged that members were persuaded to buy what the prophet described as “holy ghost thunder” to fight a supposed spiritual army preventing him from accessing the claimed N33 billion lotto winnings.
According to the member, each “holy ghost thunder” item was sold for N38,000, with congregants encouraged to purchase large quantities.
Investigators said the total amount allegedly collected from church members stands at N70.39 million.
The EFCC stated that preliminary findings indicate that the suspect’s method involved selling various spiritual products, including miracle stickers, spiritual dragons and “holy ghost thunder”, while promising prosperity and solutions to personal problems.
One alleged victim said despite making payments for the spiritual items, none of the expected results materialised.
The anti-graft agency said Ajuluchukwucheya will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
