Police nab cleric for swindling member

A self-acclaimed pastor and founder of a new generation church based in Amuwo-Odofi n, Lagos, Th ankGod Udechukwu, has been arrested by personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Office. Udechukwu who hails from Ozalla, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state, and was arrested on May 23, 2018, is said to have taken advantage of one of his kinsmen.
The victim, who resides in Dubai, he had handed over four Highlander SUVs he imported to the cleric, who claimed that one of his church members was willing to buy the vehicles and other consignments imported with them reportedly worth N16million. According to him, while waiting for the cleric to remit money released from the sales, he came up with the idea of starting a transportation business and suggested buying two Sienna buses. The complainant, who said he consented to the proposal and purchased the Sienna buses, however said that he wanted out of the business when nothing was coming out of it and asked the cleric to sell the vehicles.
He said Udechukwu sold one of the buses and converted the proceeds to his personal use, just as took a large chuck from the sales of the SUV claiming it was for logistics. The petitioner stated that some months after, the pastor further suggested another business and introduced him to staff of Nigeria Breweries, who was supposed to facilitate him securing a dealership from the company. He said the Nigeria Breweries staff claimed the deal will cost N2,370,000 which he transferred in the name of Royal Homes Furniture Company Limited at First Bank Plc. However, on his return to Nigeria, he discovered that the cleric has connived with his friend to swindle him leading his fi ling complaint with the Police. Efforts to reach the Police spokesperson in Enugu proved abortive, however, a senior Police officer in the command confirmed the arrest of the cleric, noting that the case would be charged to court soon.