A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has ordered the final forfeiture of multiple high-value assets linked to a Nigerian pastor accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme disguised as a humanitarian grant programme.

The ruling, delivered by Justice M.O. Olajuwon, followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which established that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The court held that the pastor, identified as Theophilus Ebonyi, failed to provide credible evidence showing that the assets were legitimately acquired.

Assets Forfeited to Federal Government

The forfeited properties span several locations in Nasarawa State and include:
• A 23-room hotel and event centre known as De Thinkers Home and Apartments
• A warehouse and sachet water production factory
• Two office buildings
• A private primary school, Theo International Academy
• Cash amounting to over N1 million in a bank account

These assets, according to investigators, were allegedly financed through proceeds of fraud traced to the pastor’s activities.

How the Alleged Scheme Operated

Investigations revealed that the pastor allegedly operated a fraudulent scheme through an organisation named Theobarth Global Foundation.

He reportedly lured victims with claims that a foreign body was offering a multi-billion-dollar grant to support individuals and organisations. Victims were then required to pay substantial registration and participation fees to access the supposed funds.

Authorities disclosed that each participant paid as much as N1.8 million, with the scheme generating approximately N1.3 billion from unsuspecting individuals and organisations. 

Further findings showed that the international foundation cited in the scheme had no affiliation with the pastor or his organisation and had publicly disclaimed any connection.

Court Ruling and Legal Position

In its ruling, the court stated that the anti-graft agency met the legal threshold required under relevant financial crime laws to justify the forfeiture.

Justice Olajuwon emphasised that once credible suspicion is established that assets are proceeds of crime, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove lawful acquisition.

The pastor’s inability to “show cause” led to the court granting a permanent forfeiture order in favour of the Federal Government.

EFCC Reacts

The EFCC described the judgment as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, particularly in tackling financial crimes disguised under religious or charitable platforms.

The agency warned Nigerians to exercise caution when approached with investment or grant opportunities that promise unrealistic returns, especially those requiring upfront.

Broader Implications

The case has reignited conversations around accountability within religious organisations and the need for stricter oversight of financial activities tied to faith-based institutions.

Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces a critical principle: religious status does not grant immunity from financial scrutiny or legal consequences.

It also highlights the increasing focus of Nigerian authorities on asset recovery as a strategy to deter economic crimes and restore public trust.

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