{
  "id": 6825619,
  "title": "Holy scam: When chasing miracles cost citizens millions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/holy-scam-when-chasing-miracles-cost-citizens-millions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T00:14:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/holy-scam-when-chasing-miracles-cost-citizens-millions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When Oluremi Sokoya, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, stopped attending her Pentecostal church in Lagos, it sent shockwaves through the congregation. The pastor, who had taken notice of her generous giving, began to exert control over her finances, demanding money for church projects and even sexually assaulting her. Sokoya alleges that she spent nearly half a million Naira on the pastor's family, buying expensive clothing and groceries for them. In addition to financial exploitation, the cleric also allegedly touched and sexually abused Sokoya on multiple occasions. Despite retrieving some of her money from the pastor, Sokoya has vowed never to return to the church, calling out his false promises of prosperity. A similar case of alleged exploitation by a 'prophet' named Emmanuel is detailed by Sam and Mary Udofia, an Ibadan couple, who claim he controlled all aspects of their lives, siphoning money from them through fear and manipulation.",
  "summary": "Nigerians seeking solutions to life’s problems are increasingly falling victim to religious exploitation, losing millions to pastors and clerics. Read More: https://punchng.com/holy-scam-when-chasing-miracles-cost-citizens-millions/",
  "key_points": [
    "Lagos entrepreneur's generous giving leads to pastor's financial control",
    "Pastor sexually assaults, exploits Sokoya, demands money for projects",
    "Ibadan couple alleges prophet controlled their lives through manipulation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This pattern of alleged exploitation by church leaders highlights a disturbing trend of financial and emotional manipulation, leaving victims feeling trapped and vulnerable to abuse.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Holy scam: When chasing miracles cost citizens millions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/holy-scam-when-chasing-miracles-cost-citizens-millions-6826625",
        "published": "2026-09-12T00:20:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}