EFCC arrests Jesus the General Outreach Ministry founder for defrauding his kinsman

JESUS the General Outreach Ministry founder Pastor Thankgod Udechukwu has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for defrauding one of his kinsmen by fleecing him of four sports utility vehicles.

Pastor Udechukwu, whose church is based in Amuwo-Odofin in Lagos, was picked up by the EFCC's Enugu zonal office after the parishioner reported him to the authorities for ripping him off. Arrested on Wednesday May 23, Pastor Udechukwu who hails from Ozalla in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State is said to have taken advantage of one of his kinsmen who trusted him as a man of God.

According to the victim and complainant who resides in Dubai, his traumatic ordeal started with a suggestion that he hands over four Highlander SUVs he imported to Pastor Udechukwu. Apparently, the clergyman claimed that one of his church members was willing to buy the vehicles and other consignments imported with them all of which amounted to N16m.

However, having taken a huge sum from the total amount realised claiming they were for logistic purposes, Pastor Udechukwu floated the idea of starting a transport services business and suggested buying two Sienna buses. Despite not being paid for the earlier transactions, the complainant still agreed to the business idea.

With time, when there was nothing coming out of the transport business, the complainant said he was no more interested in the venture and instructed the suspect to sell off the two buses. However, Pastor Udechukwu sold one of the buses and converted the proceeds to his personal use.

A few months later, Pastor Udechukwu further suggested a business to the complainant and introduced him to one Amechi Chuks Amechi who claimed to work with Nigeria Breweries, claiming he could assist in securing a dealership from the company. Mr Amechi  claimed the deal will cost the complainant N2.37m, which was transferred to his company account in the name of Royal Homes Furniture Company at First Bank.

Apparently, the petitioner was totally devastated when on coming home, he discovered to his chagrin that nothing was left as the pastor and his friend had diverted most of the monies realised for their personal use. Investigations revealed that the pastor used the monies in all the businesses to expand his church buildings and take care of personal issues.