The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Adeniyi James, the General Overseer of CAC Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry in Ilorin, Kwara State, on allegations of defrauding a church member to the tune of N3,980,000.
According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, the victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, reported that James purportedly prophesied during a church program in 2021 that he would travel abroad. Subsequently, James allegedly offered to facilitate Babarinsa's relocation to Canada for a total of N3,980,000, comprising fees for processing flight tickets and travel documents.
Babarinsa claimed to have sold some of his assets and taken loans to raise the funds, which he handed over to James. However, despite prolonged waiting and no progress, James allegedly failed to fulfill his promise, prompting Babarinsa to demand a refund, which James reportedly refused.
The EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing, and James will be prosecuted upon their conclusion.
The incident has elicited varied reactions from the public, with some expressing dismay at the victim's gullibility and others criticizing the prevalence of such fraudulent activities in religious settings.
Nonetheless, it serves as a cautionary tale against blind faith and underscores the need for vigilance and skepticism when dealing with matters of financial transactions, especially within religious contexts.
