In a significant crackdown on financial fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International. Ebonyi stands accused of orchestrating a massive scam, defrauding church members and other Nigerians through counterfeit grants purportedly from the Ford Foundation, amounting to a staggering N1,319,040,274.31.
The arrest follows allegations that Ebonyi, utilizing his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation, falsely claimed the Ford Foundation was offering a $20,000,000,000 grant to support the less privileged in society. Victims, including NGOs and individuals, were enticed to subscribe as beneficiaries by paying exorbitant amounts for registration forms and clusters, each being coerced to part with N1,800,000.
Investigations conducted by the EFCC revealed that Ebonyi’s claims were baseless, as the Ford Foundation disowned any association with him or his NGO. The foundation explicitly stated it had no link, grant, relationship, or business dealings with Ebonyi. The EFCC has further uncovered five properties acquired by Ebonyi through the proceeds of these illicit activities.
Despite the arrest, Ebonyi reportedly continues his fraudulent activities, reaching out to unsuspecting subscribers on social media platforms to promote his fictitious Ford Foundation grant. The EFCC is determined to bring him to justice, with plans to charge him to court once investigations are concluded.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of purported grants or investments. The EFCC remains committed to combating financial crimes and protecting the interests of innocent Nigerians and organizations.
Nwokwu Chukwuemeka. (Obinwannem News Ebonyi State)
