Theophilus Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicion of defrauding Nigerians and church members.

In a statement released on Monday, 5th February 2024, in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the pastor was arrested on suspicion of embezzling N1,319,040,274.31 in fraudulent funds from the Ford Foundation.

The statement reads, “Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising individuals and non-governmental organisations, by advertising an intervention project through his non-governmental organisation, Theobarth Global Foundation. He falsely claimed that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20 billion to assist the less privileged in society.”

“He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phoney grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters.”

“Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000”

“Through this arrangement, Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040, 274.31.”

“His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country.”

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According to Oyewale, the EFCC’s investigations revealed that the Ford Foundation was not associated with, nor had any economic dealings with, the general overseer.

The Foundation made it clear that it had no affiliation whatsoever with him or his NGO.

Five properties that he obtained from his illicit activities have also been tracked down by the commission. It has been stated that Ebonyi continues to promote his fictitious Ford Foundation grant to his followers on various social media sites.

Oyewale also said that Ebonyi would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.