EFCC Apprehends Pastor for Alleged N1.3bn Ford Foundation Fake Grants Scam

EFCC arrest Pastor in Ebonyi State after thorough investigations revealed he scammed his members with the promise of offering a fake grant.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, on charges of defrauding church members and other Nigerians through a fraudulent scheme involving fake grants from the Ford Foundation, totaling N1,319,040,274.31.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale issued a statement revealing that Ebonyi stands accused of deceiving victims, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals.

The pastor allegedly promoted an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation, falsely claiming that the Ford Foundation was providing a grant of $20,000,000.000 to aid the less-privileged in society.

According to the statement, Ebonyi utilized social media platforms to market the spurious grant, urging subscribers to register as beneficiaries by paying for registration forms and clusters, each costing N1,800,000.

The EFCC alleges that Ebonyi amassed a staggering N1,391,040,274.31 through this deceptive scheme, targeting unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs nationwide.

Investigations by the EFCC revealed that there was no legitimate arrangement, grant, or relationship between Ebonyi and the Ford Foundation.

The Foundation unequivocally disclaimed any association with Ebonyi and his NGO, emphasizing a complete lack of connection.

The EFCC has traced five properties acquired by Ebonyi as proceeds of his alleged criminal activities. The anti-graft agency has indicated that the suspect will face charges in court once investigations are concluded.