Prophet Jailed for Defrauding Church Members of ₦136.4m In Enugu

A self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, has been convicted and sentenced by the Enugu State High Court for defrauding church members and other victims of more than ₦136.4 million through false claims of miracles, lottery winnings and fraudulent investment schemes.

Ajuluchukwucheya was prosecuted by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

According to the anti-graft agency, the convict deceived unsuspecting victims between 2023 and February 2025 by falsely claiming he had won ₦30 billion in the Baba Ijebu lottery. He allegedly persuaded people to invest money with promises of enormous returns, using the fictitious lottery winnings to convince them that their investments were secure.

The EFCC said the fraudulent scheme enabled him to obtain a total of ₦136.4 million from several victims.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges. Following his plea, Justice H.O. Eya sentenced him to one year in prison with an option of a ₦500,000 fine.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of his landed property to the Federal Government through the EFCC, directing that proceeds from its sale be used to compensate victims of the fraud.

The EFCC disclosed that its investigation began after receiving a petition from a woman who alleged that the self-styled prophet collected millions of naira after claiming he could resurrect her late husband. She further alleged that he persuaded her to invest in what investigators later described as a fraudulent scheme.

Another complainant told investigators that the convict collected money after promising to use spiritual powers to influence his brother, who had lived abroad for years, to return to Nigeria.

As the investigation progressed, more church members reportedly came forward with similar allegations.

Investigators further alleged that Ajuluchukwucheya marketed and sold so-called spiritual items, including “miracle stickers”, “spiritual dragon” and “Holy Ghost thunder”, claiming they possessed supernatural powers capable of bringing prosperity, solving personal problems and transforming the lives of buyers.

The EFCC said the conviction serves as a warning against fraudulent schemes disguised as religious or investment opportunities and urged members of the public to exercise caution before parting with their money.