The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into an alleged N70.3 million fraud involving a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, in Enugu State.
According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the cleric was arrested and interrogated following a petition submitted by one of the alleged victims, Okey Uwakwe.
Uwakwe alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya presented himself as a genuine man of God with supernatural powers capable of solving personal and family problems. He claimed the prophet convinced him that he could facilitate the return of his brother, who had been living abroad since 1997.
The petitioner further alleged that he paid N6.2 million to the cleric for various spiritual interventions and an additional N3.2 million after being assured that the prophet could help his sister-in-law, who had reportedly been unable to conceive for over 15 years, become pregnant.
Uwakwe also claimed that Ajuluchukwucheya told members of his church that he had won N33 billion through a lottery game and encouraged them to contribute money with the promise of sharing in the proceeds. Based on this claim, Uwakwe said he paid N3.3 million to the prophet.
In addition, the petitioner alleged that the cleric solicited funds from church members to invest in a purported N1 billion rice-processing venture, promising them partnership benefits. Uwakwe said he contributed N500,000 to the project.
According to the petitioner, he paid a total of N13,331,600 to the suspect without receiving any of the promised benefits.
The EFCC said that during the course of its investigation, several other members of the ministry visited its Enugu office with similar complaints, alleging that they had also been defrauded.
One victim told investigators that he participated in multiple investment schemes promoted by the prophet, including the alleged N33 billion lottery winnings. The victim claimed Ajuluchukwucheya later said he was unable to access the money because spiritual forces were preventing its release.
To overcome the supposed spiritual obstacle, the prophet allegedly instructed members to purchase an item called “Holy Ghost Thunder,” which he claimed would destroy the spiritual army blocking the funds. The victim said he bought 1,000 pieces of the product at N38,000 each.
The EFCC stated that the total amount allegedly collected from church members by the suspect stands at N70,391,600.
Investigators said their findings indicate that Ajuluchukwucheya’s method involved persuading followers to purchase various prosperity-related products, including “miracle stickers,” “spiritual dragons,” and “Holy Ghost Thunder,” with promises of divine intervention and financial breakthroughs.
Another victim told investigators that despite spending significant amounts on the products, none of the promised results materialised and his personal challenges remained unresolved.
The anti-graft agency said investigations are ongoing and that the self-acclaimed prophet will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe.