A United Kingdom (UK)-based cleric, Pastor Paul-Kayode Joash, has been remanded in the Agodi correctional facility in Ibadan, Nigeria. He is accused of defrauding three individuals of a total of ₦305 million. The pastor, who is the Senior Pastor of The Great House Nation Church in Ibadan, was arrested following a report by the victims. He has been arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretenses. The case has been adjourned to December 18 for mention.
He was arrested by the police in his church premises following a report made by three individuals who accused him of defrauding them.
The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned him on a 10-count charge, which includes obtaining money under false pretenses.
The victims claim that Pastor Joash collected a total of ₦305 million from them.
The funds were reportedly meant to procure certificates of sponsorship for individuals intending to migrate to the UK for healthcare jobs.
The pastor allegedly charged between £3,500 and £5,500 per candidate but failed to provide the promised certificates within a year.
The amounts obtained from the victims are as follows:₦134,823,750 from one victim,₦30 million from another,₦135,177,750 from a third victim, and ₦5,881,000 from another victim, totaling ₦305,882,500.
Pastor Joash has pleaded Not guilty to the charges brought against him.
He has been granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned to December 18 for mention.