Holy scam: When chasing miracles cost citizens millions
An investigation into how Nigerians seeking financial and health breakthroughs are falling victim to religious exploitation, losing millions to manipulativ Read More: https://punchng.com/holy-scam-when-chasing-miracles-cost-citizens-millions/
In 2023, a woman named Oluremi Sokoya reported that her Pentecostal church pastor in Lagos began to exploit her financial generosity. Sokoya, who gave large tithes and offerings, said the pastor would check on her when she missed church and demand money or gifts. She described him taking her debit card to buy for himself and his family, and even sexually abusing her.
Sokoya reported the abuse to the police, and about N400,000 was refunded to her. However, she stopped attending church because she felt exploited and scammed. The case was not an isolated incident, as Saturday PUNCH found similar allegations of financial exploitation and abuse from both prophets and other religious figures.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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