The General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme involving fake grants from the Ford Foundation, totaling N1.3 billion.
Apostle Ebonyi allegedly exploited church members and unsuspecting Nigerians, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), by promoting a non-existent intervention project through his NGO, Theobarth Global Foundation. Under the false pretense of securing a $20 million grant from the Ford Foundation to support the less privileged, he convinced victims to register as beneficiaries by paying for registration forms and clusters, each costing N1.8 million.
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The EFCC’s investigation revealed that there was no legitimate arrangement, grant, or business relationship between Ebonyi and the Ford Foundation. The Foundation explicitly disclaimed any association with him or his NGO, emphasizing that they had no links whatsoever. In this elaborate scam, Ebonyi allegedly amassed a total of N1,319,040,274.31.
The Commission has identified five properties acquired by the pastor as proceeds of his fraudulent activities. Despite his arrest, Ebonyi is reportedly still attempting to market his fabricated grant from the Ford Foundation on various social media platforms.
Once the investigations are concluded, the EFCC intends to press charges against Ebonyi, seeking legal recourse for his alleged involvement in the elaborate scam that preyed on innocent Nigerians and organizations.
