Assemblies Of God Church Crisis Deepens As EFCC Probes N220m Property Scam

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Saturday, May 31st, 2014

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

The lingering crisis bedeviling the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria Friday took another twist as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has begun a probe into the financial transactions of the church.

embattled General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God church, Pastor Paul Emeka

African Examiner gathered that the development followed allegation of misappropriation of funds leveled against the embattled General Superintendent of the church, Pastor Paul Emeka by its warring faction .

Our correspondent further gathered that the anti graft agency, will look into the alleged shoddy purchase of N220 million property in Germany by the church through a loan obtained from a commercial bank.

Already, some key members of the church have been interrogated by operatives of the commission while others suspected to be involved in the alleged scam have gone into hiding.

The probe followed a petition by a faction of the church which has its headquarters in Enugu, led by the Assistant General Superintendent, Rev Chidi Okoroafor, alleging that the Executive Council of the church was neither privy to the property bought in Germany nor gave approval for the purchase.

The faction also alleged that the said property whose purchase was said to have been completed in 2011 was non-existent, pointing out that its General Superintendent, Pastor Emeka, single-handedly handled the transaction.

But Pastor Emeka, in a swift reaction Friday in Enugu stated that his predecessor, Rev Charles Osueke, commenced the process of purchase of the property with an initial deposit of N20 million, adding that his administration continued with the transaction when it came on board four years ago.

The crisis rocking the church which has factionalised its members, has remained a source of concern to many people, especially Christians across the south east geo political zone and beyond.