The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as “Prophet Sunday Koboko,” over allegations that he defrauded members of his church of more than N70 million through dubious spiritual and investment schemes.
Operatives of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced the probe following petitions from church members who accused the self-styled prophet of obtaining money under false pretences by promising spiritual interventions, financial breakthroughs and lucrative investment opportunities.
One of the petitioners, Okey Uwakwe, alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya collected N6.23 million from him for “spiritual works” purportedly aimed at facilitating his brother’s return from abroad. He further claimed that the prophet received an additional N3.25 million to help his sister-in-law conceive after 15 years of childlessness.
According to Uwakwe, neither of the promised outcomes materialised.
The petitioner also accused the suspect of promoting a purported N33 billion lottery jackpot, claiming he had won the money and inviting church members to invest with assurances of substantial dividends.
Uwakwe said he contributed N3.35 million to the scheme and another N500,000 towards the purchase of a N1 billion rice processing machine allegedly presented as an investment opportunity.
“In total, I gave him N13,331,600 and got nothing in return,” Uwakwe alleged.
As investigations progressed, more alleged victims reportedly came forward with similar accounts.
One church member told investigators: “When I came there (the ministry) a whole lot of things were going on as investments in the church which I partook in virtually all of them… ranging from the issue of him winning N33 billion with Baba Ijebu.”
The witness further alleged that the prophet later claimed the lottery winnings could not be accessed because of spiritual opposition.
“He said the money cannot be retrieved due to how huge the amount was. So, members of the church will have to help him by buying holy ghost thunder to blast the spiritual army being organized by Baba Ijebu,” the victim said.
According to the witness, the so-called “holy ghost thunder” was sold for N38,000 each, with church members allegedly purchasing about 1,000 units in an attempt to overcome the purported spiritual obstacle.
EFCC investigators said the suspect’s alleged method involved persuading followers to purchase various spiritual items marketed as pathways to prosperity and solutions to personal challenges.
The products reportedly included “miracle stickers,” “spiritual dragons” and “holy ghost thunder.”
Another victim recounted: “He asked me to do what they tagged holy ghost thunder, believing it was going to solve my problems. I bought it and after all the payments, nothing happened and my problems still persisted.”
The anti-graft agency said preliminary findings indicate that the total amount allegedly obtained from church members stands at N70,391,600.
The EFCC disclosed that Ajuluchukwucheya will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
