Operatives of the Enugu zonal directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced investigations into the activities of a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko. The prophet is under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding members of his ministry of N70.39 million.
Allegations of Fraud
According to reports from Premium Times, the EFCC is investigating Prophet Koboko over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of N70.39 million. One of the petitioners, Okey Uwakwe, alleged that the suspect presented himself as a genuine man of God with the ability to influence spiritual outcomes. Uwakwe claimed that Ajuluchukwucheya convinced him to pay N6.23 million for spiritual interventions aimed at facilitating the return of his brother, who had been living abroad since 1997.
Further Claims
The petitioner also alleged that the prophet collected N3.25 million after assuring him that he could help his sister-in-law, who had reportedly been childless for over 15 years, conceive through spiritual means. Uwakwe further accused the suspect of claiming to have won N33 billion in a lottery and promising church members financial rewards if they contributed money to support him. Based on that assurance, the petitioner said he paid an additional N3.35 million.
Rice Processing Venture
In another instance, the suspect allegedly persuaded members of his ministry to invest in a purported N1 billion rice-processing venture, promising them partnership benefits. Uwakwe said he contributed N500,000 to the scheme. The petitioner claimed that he paid a total of N13.33 million to the suspect without receiving any of the promised benefits.
More Victims Come Forward
The EFCC said that as investigations progressed, more members of the ministry came forward with similar allegations of fraud. One church member alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya convinced congregants that his purported N33 billion lottery winnings could not be accessed because of spiritual opposition. According to the witness, members were instructed to purchase what the prophet called 'Holy Ghost Thunder' to combat a supposed spiritual army blocking the release of the funds.
The member alleged: 'He sold each of the spiritual thunder for N38,000, and we were told to buy 1,000 pieces to fight Baba Ijebu's spiritual army.' The commission said the total amount allegedly collected from members of the ministry stands at N70.39 million.
Modus Operandi
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect's alleged modus operandi involved persuading church members to purchase items such as miracle stickers, spiritual dragons and Holy Ghost Thunder, which he claimed would bring prosperity and solve personal problems. One alleged victim said he purchased the products in the hope of resolving his challenges but saw no results despite making the required payments.
Ongoing Investigation
The EFCC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion. The commission has urged anyone with information to come forward as the case develops.
