Two parallel court actions expose alleged multi-million-naira investment fraud, asset laundering, and spiritual deception schemes across Nigeria’s North-East and South-East
By Bukar Goni, Ndidi Ogenyi / June 6, 2026
MAIDUGURI / AWKA, NIGERIA — Two separate high-profile court actions in Borno and Anambra States have intensified Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on alleged financial crimes and religious exploitation schemes, with interim forfeiture orders granted on suspected fraud-linked assets and eight self-styled pastors remanded over alleged staged miracle operations.
The developments underscore a widening enforcement drive by anti-graft and state authorities targeting both financial fraud networks and what officials describe as “spiritual deception enterprises.”
Borno Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Property Linked to Alleged ₦345 Million Fraud
Justice Babagana Karumi of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has ordered the interim forfeiture of a four-bedroom property and other assets suspected to be linked to a large-scale investment fraud scheme under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, supported by investigative affidavits and exhibits presented before the court.
The forfeited property is located in Dikecheri Mashamari Ward, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, built on a 50ft by 100ft plot of land.
Investigators suspect the asset was acquired using proceeds from an alleged fraudulent investment arrangement involving hundreds of millions of naira.
Alleged Wheat Offal Investment Scam Under EFCC Probe
According to EFCC filings before the court, the suspect—identified as Udda Hamid Ahmad, also known as Imam Dawud—is being investigated over allegations of a fraudulent investment scheme involving agricultural commodities.
The commission alleged that between 2022 and 2023, the suspect approached a businessman, Alhaji Ahmadu Idris, with a proposal to purchase wheat offal at discounted rates for profit-sharing returns.
Relying on the arrangement, Idris reportedly transferred ₦345 million for the transaction.
However, investigators allege the funds were diverted for personal use rather than the intended investment purpose.
EFCC counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, told the court that the property in question was reasonably suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activity.
The court granted the interim forfeiture pending conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Separate EFCC Order Freezes Accounts and Seizes Devices in Another Fraud Probe
In a related ruling at the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, Justice Jude K. Dagat granted an interim forfeiture order and freezing directive against accounts and assets linked to another suspect, Muhammad Abubakar.
The order affected:
- A Keystone Bank account (No. 6044662000)
- A Tecno Camon 40 Pro smartphone
- An iPhone 17 Pro Max
The EFCC alleged that the assets were connected to ongoing investigations into fraud, misappropriation, and dishonest conversion of funds.
The court also directed that all funds in the account and the seized devices be forfeited to the Federal Government pending the outcome of investigations.
Anambra Court Remands Eight Pastors Over Alleged Staged Miracle Scheme
In a separate but equally significant ruling, the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has remanded eight self-styled pastors over allegations of staging fake miracles to defraud congregants and boost financial donations.
The defendants were arraigned on June 5, 2026, and are currently in correctional custody awaiting hearing on their bail applications.
They include clerics from multiple ministries operating within the state, accused of orchestrating fake healing testimonies for broadcast on social media platforms.
The detained clerics include Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, Bishop Emeka Nwamkpa of Chapel of Faith Ministry, Peter Chukwu of Messiah Adoration Ministry, Chinedu Egwuonwu of Citadel of Grace Ministry, Ebele Nnachukwu of Jehovah the Mighty Than All Ministry, Miracle Iruoma of City of Power Ministry, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry.
Allegations of Orchestrated “Miracle-for-Pay” Scheme
Court documents allege that the accused pastors engaged individuals to pose as beneficiaries of supernatural healing in exchange for payment.
These staged testimonies were reportedly recorded and circulated online to attract followers and increase financial contributions.
Authorities further allege that some of the defendants worked with agents responsible for recruiting participants for fake deliverance sessions.
The prosecution is based on provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
Government Frames Prosecution as Crackdown on “Spiritual Exploitation”
The Anambra State Government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, stated that the prosecution is part of a broader campaign against religious fraud and exploitation.
Officials maintain that the law targets individuals who allegedly use religious platforms to manipulate public trust for financial gain.
Authorities also allege that some spiritual operators have ties to wider criminal networks, including fraud syndicates and ritual-related crimes.
Enforcement Drive Sparks Debate on Faith, Law and Rights
The ongoing crackdown on both financial fraud and alleged religious deception has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria.
Supporters argue that the actions are necessary to protect citizens from sophisticated fraud networks operating under religious or investment fronts.
Critics, however, caution that such prosecutions must be carefully managed to avoid infringing on religious freedoms and lawful spiritual practices.
The dual court actions in Borno and Anambra highlight Nigeria’s expanding legal and security response to evolving forms of alleged fraud—from high-value investment scams to religiously framed deception schemes.
While the EFCC continues asset recovery efforts tied to suspected financial crimes in the North-East, Anambra authorities are pursuing what they describe as organized spiritual fraud in the South-East.
Both cases remain ongoing, with further judicial proceedings expected in the coming weeks as investigations deepen.
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