The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme amounting to N1.3 billion, using counterfeit grants from the Ford Foundation.
Apostle Ebonyi allegedly defrauded church members and other Nigerians, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), by falsely advertising an intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation.
Under the guise of a $20 million grant from the Ford Foundation to assist the less privileged, he convinced victims to subscribe as beneficiaries, requiring them to pay N1.8 million for registration forms and clusters.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that there was no legitimate arrangement, grant, or business relationship between Ebonyi and the Ford Foundation.
The Foundation explicitly disowned him and his NGO, emphasizing their lack of association
The EFCC also identified five properties acquired by Ebonyi with the proceeds of his fraudulent activities.
Despite being in custody, Ebonyi is reportedly still attempting to lure subscribers through various social media platforms to participate in his deceptive Ford Foundation grant.
Legal charges will be filed against him once the investigations are complete.
