It is another sad tale of an acclaimed “pastor” who is embroiled in a N16 million fraud
BY OLUMIDE EGBEDOFO//LAGOS
ThankGod Udechukwu, another self-acclaimed pastor, and founder, Jesus the General Outreach Ministry based in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, was arrested on May 23 by the EFCC Enugu office, for a N16 million fraud.
His victim, who resides in Dubai, had taken his cry to the EFCC after his ordeals in the hands of Udechukwu. It all started with a suggestion that he hands over four Toyota Highlander SUVs he imported to Udechukwu, who claimed that one of his church members was willing to buy the vehicles and other consignments imported with them all of which amounted to N16 million. Udechukwu, however, pocketed a huge sum from the sale, claiming that they were spent on logistics. He then muted the idea of starting a transport business, and suggested
buying two Sienna buses. As if under a spell, the petitioner agreed to the business idea.
But nothing came out of the transport business. The complainant then asked him to sell off the two buses. Udechukwu sold one, but again diverted the proceeds to his personal use. Months after, the “pastor” introduced him to one Amechi Chuks Amechi who claimed to work with Nigeria Breweries, with the intention of securing a dealership from the company. He claimed the deal will cost the complainant the sum of N2,370,000 which he transferred to Amechi’s
company’s account in the name of Royal Homes Furniture Company Limited at First Bank Plc.
The petitioner who had hoped to use part of the proceeds from his investments to start some businesses here in Nigeria was totally devastated when on coming home, he realized to his chagrin that nothing was left, as the “pastor” and his friend had diverted the funds to their personal use.
• EFCC Alert
