The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a self-proclaimed prophet named Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, commonly referred to as Prophet Sunday Koboko, who is accused of defrauding members of his church of approximately N70.3 million through what he described as "fake miracles." This revelation emerged following a petition submitted by Okey Uwakwe, one of the alleged victims of the fraudulent scheme. According to the EFCC's statement, Uwakwe claimed that Ajuluchukwucheya convinced him that he could bring back a family member who had been living abroad since 1997 and even helped his sister-in-law conceive after 15 years of infertility. These promises led Uwakwe to pay N6.2 million for spiritual services and an additional N3.2 million for the supposed fertility miracle.
Further allegations include claims that Ajuluchukwucheya falsely announced winning N33 billion in a lottery game called Baba Ijebu and requested contributions from church members to assist in retrieving these funds. Uwakwe reportedly gave N3.3 million towards this cause. Additionally, members of the church were allegedly persuaded to invest in a rice processing machine valued at N1 billion, with Uwakwe contributing N500,000. The cumulative amount reportedly given to Ajuluchukwucheya by various church members totals N13,331,600, according to the EFCC.
During the investigation, numerous members of Ajuluchukwucheya’s church approached the EFCC offices in Enugu, detailing their experiences of being defrauded. One victim recounted how Ajuluchukwucheya encouraged them to buy "holy ghost thunder" items, priced at N38,000 each, supposedly to aid in recovering the N33 billion. Another victim mentioned purchasing 1,000 such items, highlighting the scale of the deception.
The EFCC has identified the modus operandi of Ajuluchukwucheya as leveraging his religious influence to sell various "prosperity products," including "miracle stickers," "spiritual dragons," and "holy ghost thunder." These products were marketed as solutions to personal and financial woes, yet none yielded the promised outcomes. As the investigation continues, the EFCC plans to formally charge Ajuluchukwucheya once the probe concludes.
In a separate development, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello aimed at halting his trial in connection with an alleged N110.4 billion fraud case. The court ruled that it had the necessary jurisdiction to handle the case, rejecting Bello’s arguments regarding territorial jurisdiction and potential abuse of court processes. The ruling allows the trial to proceed, with the EFCC continuing its prosecution against Bello along with two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Bello faces two distinct trials: one at the FCT High Court concerning allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, and another at the Federal High Court dealing with money laundering charges. The latter involves accusations that funds from the Kogi State Government and local councils were siphoned off to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai. Bello has pleaded not guilty to these charges, and several prosecution witnesses have already testified, providing details about property acquisitions linked to the case.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has re-arraigned Tunde Ayeni, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank Limited, on 18 charges related to an alleged N15.6 billion fraud. Ayeni initially faced 17 charges, but the number was increased following the submission of additional evidence. The charges include criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds. Ayeni pleaded guilty to all the allegations, though the trial is set to commence on 6 July. His case adds to the growing list of banking officials being prosecuted for financial misconduct.
In another incident, the EFCC arrested a Nigerian-American individual suspected of orchestrating a vehicle import scam involving over $320,000. The suspect, who returned to Nigeria, is believed to have belonged to a US-based syndicate specializing in deceiving Nigerians by promising to import luxury cars. Two victims reportedly paid a combined sum of $320,000 for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, which was never delivered. The EFCC stated that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect's prior criminal history in the United States, involving illegal vehicle acquisitions. The individual will face arraignment once the investigation is complete.
These developments underscore the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes across various sectors, from religious fraud to corporate malfeasance and international scams. Each case highlights the diverse methods employed by individuals to exploit public trust and legal loopholes, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and robust enforcement mechanisms.
8 reports
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9013 days agoThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has arrested the CEO of Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited, Chukwujindu Nchekwube, and another individual, Rogers Eruku, over allegations of a N68 million visa fraud affecting 24 victims. Victims claim they paid substantial fees to the company for work visa processing, only to receive forged documents or no visas at all. One victim, James Ikechukwu, reported paying N57.6 million for 20 clients, while another, Oranezi David Chinedu, alleges Eruku collected N10.4 million for visa processing but provided fake documents. According to the EFCC, Nchekwube allegedly funneled funds to Eruku, who purportedly obtained the forged visas. Both suspects are expected to face charges once the investigation concludes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal action taken by the EFCC against individuals involved in visa fraud. It presents multiple victim testimonies and quotes from the EFCC without overtly favoring either side. The language remains factual and does not exhibit clear bias toward the accused or the victims. S
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Detailed account of the visa fraud case with specific figures and victim statements. Maintains neutrality in reporting the facts.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9014 days agoThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has re-arraigned former Skye Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni on charges of allegedly misappropriating N15.6 billion through fraudulent transfers during his tenure at the bank. The charges were initially filed in May and later amended to include 18 counts after new evidence was presented. Ayeni is accused of breaching trust by diverting funds to external accounts, violating the bank's operational policies and Nigerian penal code provisions on criminal breach of trust. He pleaded guilty to all allegations, and the court has scheduled the trial to begin on 6 July. This follows similar cases against other bankers, including Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei of Viscount Microfinance Bank.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a legal proceeding involving financial crimes. It includes direct quotes from the charges, legal references, and procedural updates without overtly favoring either the prosecution or defense. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and陈述
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Accurate and detailed reporting of the charges and the nature of the fraud. Maintains a neutral stance throughout.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9014 days agoThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Tunde Ayeni, a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank), before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on multiple charges related to an alleged N15.6 billion fraud. The charges include criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds. These allegations stem from transactions made during Ayeni's tenure as chairman, including transfers of N510 million and N600 million from the bank's suspense account to other entities, which the EFCC claims violated the bank's operational policies and penal code provisions. The prosecution submitted additional evidence and amended charges in June 2026, and the defense has acknowledged receipt of these documents.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving a high-profile individual accused of financial crimes. It does not exhibit overt bias through loaded language, selective sourcing, or omission of context. The content remains focused on the legal process and allegations, with
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): High factual accuracy with detailed charges and procedural steps. Slightly biased toward EFCC narrative but remains largely neutral.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9017 days ago EFCC nabs Nigerian-American over alleged $320,000 vehicle import scamThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has arrested a Nigerian-American individual suspected of involvement in a vehicle import fraud scheme worth approximately $320,000. The suspect, who holds dual citizenship, was arrested upon returning to Nigeria by operatives of the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate. According to the EFCC, the individual allegedly operated as part of a U.S.-based syndicate that deceived Nigerians into paying for luxury vehicles that were never delivered. The suspect reportedly advertised a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and claimed to ship it to buyers in Nigeria, with two victims having paid a total of $320,000. The EFCC stated that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had a prior criminal record in the United States related to illegal vehicle acquisitions. The case is ongoing, and the suspect will be arraigned in court after further investigations.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an arrest made by the EFCC, a national anti-corruption agency, regarding a financial crime. The content is factual, presenting information from the EFCC without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. While the subject involves law enforcement and potential corruption,
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Well-sourced details about the fraud scheme. Neutral tone with clear presentation of facts and charges.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9017 days ago EFCC arrests Nigerian-American over N434m vehicle import fraudThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American individual suspected of involvement in a N434 million vehicle import fraud case.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an arrest made by the EFCC without apparent ideological framing, editorializing, or biased sourcing. It provides minimal detail beyond the fact of the arrest and the nature of the alleged crime.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the EFCC arrest of Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams over a N434m vehicle import fraud, aligning closely with the primary source document. It provides correct details about the amount involved, the suspect's dual nationality, and the nature of the alleged crime. The only minor d
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8517 days ago EFCC probes ‘prophet’ over alleged N70.39m fraudThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has launched an investigation into Prophet Sunday Koboko, a self-proclaimed prophet accused of defrauding members of his religious group of N70.39 million. The EFCC alleges that Koboko collected funds under the guise of spiritual interventions and investment opportunities. One complainant, Okey Uwakwe, claims he was asked to pay N6.23 million to bring his brother back to Nigeria and N3.25 million to help his sister-in-law conceive. Koboko reportedly told followers he had won N33 billion in a lottery and encouraged financial support
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing investigation by the EFCC into a religious figure accused of fraud. It presents factual details based on official statements and testimonies from individuals involved. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language. The content remains neutral and does
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurate reporting of the investigation and specific allegations. Slight bias in presenting the EFCC's perspective without counterpoints.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8518 days ago How ‘prophet’ defrauded church members of N70m via fake miracles — EFCCThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into Prophet Sunday Koboko, also known as Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, accused of defrauding church members of N70.3 million through alleged fake miracles. The investigation follows a petition from Okey Uwakwe, a victim who claims he was scammed out of N6.2 million for spiritual services and N3.2 million for a supposed prayer to help his sister-in-law conceive. Additional allegations include being convinced to pay N3.3 million based on the claim that the prophet had won N33 billion in a lottery.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing investigation by the EFCC into financial fraud involving a self-proclaimed prophet. It presents allegations made by a petitioner without taking a stance or using biased language. The content focuses on factual details provided by the EFCC and the complainant, with a
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurate summary of the fraud allegations. Slight bias in emphasizing the EFCC's role without providing opposing viewpoints.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8520 days ago Court dismisses Yahaya Bello’s bid to stop N110bn fraud trialThe High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to have charges against him in an alleged N110.4 billion fraud case struck out. The court ruled it has jurisdiction to hear the case and rejected Bello's arguments regarding jurisdiction and abuse of court process. The trial will continue with Bello and two co-defendants. Bello's legal team argued the case should be heard in another court, while the EFCC's legal representative maintained the charges are properly instituted under the FCT High Court's authority.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the court's decision neutrally, quoting both the defense and prosecution arguments without apparent bias. It does not favor either side, merely relaying the legal reasoning provided by both parties and the court's ruling.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurate reporting of court decision and arguments. Slight bias in favor of EFCC through selective emphasis on their arguments.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
NG
