The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into an alleged N70.3 million fraud involving a self-proclaimed prophet, Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, in Enugu State. Known popularly as Prophet Sunday Koboko, he is accused of defrauding his church members through various deceptive schemes.
Petition Triggers Investigation
According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the arrest and interrogation of Ajuluchukwucheya followed a petition from Okey Uwakwe, one of the victims. Uwakwe alleged that the prophet presented himself as a true man of God capable of luring his brother, who had been abroad since 1997, back home.
The petitioner claimed he paid N6.2 million for spiritual works and an additional N3.2 million for the prophet to help his sister-in-law conceive after over 15 years of childlessness.
Fake Lotto Win and Investments
Uwakwe further alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya announced to his church that he had won N33 billion in a lotto game called Baba Ijebu. He then asked members to contribute financially to receive dividends from the supposed win. Uwakwe said he gave N3.3 million for this purpose.
The petitioner also stated that members were lured into contributing to a rice processing machine worth N1 billion, with the promise of becoming business partners. He personally contributed N500,000. In total, Uwakwe claimed he sent N13,331,600 to the prophet without any results.
Victims Flood EFCC Office
During the investigation, many church members came forward with similar complaints. One victim recounted how the prophet claimed he could not retrieve the N33 billion because it was too large and asked members to buy "holy ghost thunder" to defeat spiritual obstacles. The victim purchased 1,000 pieces at N38,000 each.
The EFCC statement noted that the total amount allegedly defrauded from church members is N70,391,600.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that Ajuluchukwucheya's typical method was to lure members into buying his "prosperity products," which included "miracle stickers," "spiritual dragons," and "holy ghost thunder." One victim said, "He asked me to do what they tagged holy ghost thunder, believing it was going to solve my problems. I bought it, but after all the payments, nothing happened."
The anti-graft agency stated that the self-acclaimed prophet will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
