The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, also known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, for defrauding members of his church of N136.4 million.
Justice H.O. Eya of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, convicted Ajuluchukwucheya after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
The EFCC said the convict deceived worshippers by claiming he had won N30 billion in a Baba Ijebu lottery and persuaded them to invest in a scheme that promised huge returns.
Investigations showed the claims were false.
The court sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine.
Justice Eya also ordered the forfeiture of his landed property in Enugu to the Federal Government through the EFCC, directing that it be sold and the proceeds used to compensate victims.
According to the anti-graft agency, investigations began after a petition by Mrs. Ngene Nkiruka Jane, who alleged that the fake prophet collected N6.7 million from her by promising to resurrect her late husband and enroll her in a bogus investment scheme.
Another victim, Okey Uwakwe, alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya collected N6.23 million from him after claiming he could spiritually compel his brother, who had lived abroad since 1997, to return home.
The EFCC said more victims later came forward, revealing that the convict also sold so-called prosperity items, including “miracle stickers,” “spiritual dragon,” and “Holy Ghost Thunder,” as part of his fraudulent scheme.
