- The EFCC detained Prophet Adeniyi James for allegedly defrauding a congregant of N3.9 million, according to a statement released
- The victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, alleged that Prophet James promised assistance for international travel but failed to deliver despite payment
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a clergyman based in Ilorin, Prophet Adeniyi James, for purportedly defrauding a member of his congregation of N3.9 million.
Prophet James serves as the General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry in Ilorin.
According to a statement released in Ilorin on Saturday by the commission’s head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, James was apprehended by the Ilorin zonal command of the EFCC on April 2 concerning the aforementioned crime.
The victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, lodged a petition with the commission, alleging that during a church program in 2021, Prophet James prophesied that he (Babarinsa) would travel abroad.
Babarinsa stated that Prophet James subsequently informed him about a contact in Lagos who could help facilitate his relocation to Canada. However, this assistance came for N1.7 million for facilitation and N2.5 million for flight tickets and travel document processing, totalling N3,980,000.
Despite Babarinsa’s efforts to obtain a refund after experiencing delays and lack of progress, the prophet failed to comply, leading to Babarinsa’s frustration and subsequent petition to the EFCC.
The EFCC spokesperson mentioned that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will face charges in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.