By Erewunmi Peace

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is continuing legal action against a pastor accused of orchestrating a ₦1.3 billion fraud scheme under the guise of a fake grant program.

The suspect, identified as Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, was earlier arrested by the anti-graft agency over allegations of defrauding unsuspecting victims through a fraudulent scheme that promised access to a non-existent international grant.

According to reports, the scheme falsely claimed to be linked to funding from the Ford Foundation, with victims allegedly required to pay significant sums of money to qualify for the supposed financial support.

Investigations revealed that the grant offer was fictitious, and funds collected from participants were part of a Ponzi-style operation.

The case, which dates back to earlier investigations, has continued to attract attention as legal proceedings and related actions, including asset recovery efforts, move forward.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes and warned the public to be cautious of schemes promising unrealistic financial rewards.

The development highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to combat fraud and protect citizens from financial exploitation.