Akata Koi
A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has ordered the final forfeiture of several properties, including a hotel, school, event centre, factory, office buildings, and cash linked to alleged fraudulent activities involving a Nigerian pastor.
The presiding judge, Justice M.O. Olajuwon, granted the forfeiture following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that the cleric failed to prove that the assets were legitimately acquired. The court held that once reasonable suspicion was established that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities, the burden of proof shifted to the respondent to show evidence of lawful acquisition, which he failed to do.
The affected pastor, identified as Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, is the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International. According to EFCC investigations, the assets were allegedly acquired through funds obtained from a fraudulent investment scheme operated through an organization known as Theobarth Global Foundation.
Investigators revealed that the pastor allegedly deceived victims by promoting a supposed international grant opportunity, claiming that a foreign foundation was offering billions of dollars to support individuals and organizations. Victims were reportedly asked to pay registration and participation fees to benefit from the program. Authorities said the scheme allegedly generated over ₦1.3 billion from unsuspecting participants.
Among the properties forfeited to the Federal Government is a 23-room hotel and event centre known as De Thinkers Home and Apartments, a warehouse, a sachet water production factory, two office buildings, and a private primary school known as Theo International Academy. Also forfeited was over one million naira found in one of the pastor’s bank accounts.
Court documents showed that the EFCC presented financial records and transaction histories indicating that funds from the alleged scheme were used to acquire the properties. The agency also stated that the international organization cited by the suspect denied any relationship with him or his foundation.
The EFCC described the judgment as part of ongoing efforts to recover illicit assets and discourage financial crimes disguised as charitable or religious activities. The agency also warned members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with investment opportunities promising unrealistic financial returns, especially those presented under religious or humanitarian platforms.
Legal observers say the judgment reinforces the principle that religious status does not exempt individuals from financial accountability and that anyone found in possession of suspicious wealth must be able to justify the source of such assets.
The ruling is also seen as part of Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption efforts aimed at ensuring that proceeds of unlawful activities are recovered and redirected to the public interest.
The case continues to generate discussion among Nigerians about transparency in religious organizations and the need for stronger financial accountability among leaders entrusted with public trust.
