The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Prophet Adeniyi Abiodun James, the General Overseer of CAC Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry, Ilorin, on allegations of defrauding a congregant of N3,980,000.
According to Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for EFCC, the arrest followed a petition lodged by the victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, with the Commission.
In his complaint, Babarinsa asserted that Prophet James singled him out during a church gathering in 2021, claiming to have received a divine revelation about his imminent journey abroad.
During this purported revelation, the cleric inquired about Babarinsa’s desired destination, to which he responded “Canada.”
Subsequently, an agreement was reached between them to discuss further arrangements for the trip later on.
Also Read
Tragedy Strikes as Pastor Allegedly Be@ts Wife to Death in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
The petitioner recounted that Prophet James subsequently informed him of an acquaintance in Lagos who could assist with his relocation to Canada, with costs amounting to N1.7 million for facilitation and N2.5 million for flight tickets and travel documents.
To fulfill this agreement, Babarinsa revealed that he had to liquidate some assets and secure loans, amassing the sum of N3,980,000, which he handed over to the prophet for expedited processing of his relocation.
However, despite the passage of time without any progress, Babarinsa’s inquiries into the status of his relocation were met with evasiveness from the prophet, leading him to demand a refund of his money.
Repeated appeals for reimbursement proved futile, compelling Babarinsa to seek legal intervention.
Pending the completion of investigations, the suspect is slated for arraignment in court, as stated in the EFCC’s announcement.