‘Pastors’ dupe ‘salvation seekers’ in Asaba
Investigations into some behind the door activities
of syndicates of pastors operating in Asaba, the
Delta State capital, and its environs have revealed
that no fewer than 26 persons seeking ‘spiritual
salvation’ have been duped of about N4.6million in
the last two years.
The Guardian investigations indicated that the self-
acclaimed men of God, armed with mind-blowing
prophecies, often hoodwink unsuspecting
individuals that troop to their churches.
The victims are made to undergo rigorous prayers,
including alleged use of multiple colour candles and
olive oil, to increase their business sales.
Victims within Asaba and its environs, who did not
want their names in print, said the syndicates
operating around Okwe community in the state
capital had swindled them.
One victim, who spoke to The Guardian in pidgin
language, said: “We no go school so much. The
pastors asked us make we bring money. In short,
N50, 000 each for them to prepare soap for us to
bath with and since two years now, we don spend
about N4.6million.”
When asked if they had reported the case to the
Police, the victims said: “We go tell police and they
arrested one of them called Pastor Mike and the
police released him the following day. We were
surprised.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zama Ibrahim,
who confirmed the incidence of pastor syndicates in
the state, said the Police were working with a view
to exposing the fake pastors who swindled
worshippers in the name of God.
He regretted that ‘salvation seekers,’ as the victims
have come to be known, have become preys to fake
men of God and cautioned the public to be careful
in attending churches where prophecies made as
ploy to ripping them off.
He said: “Men and officers of the Police Command
in the state are working hard to bring to book fake
men of God who under prophecies,
rip-off ‘salvation seekers.”
The Police chief disclosed that about six cases of
alleged rip-off of victims by ‘pastors’ are currently
being investigated by the command.
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