EFCC Arrests Top Lagos Pastor After ₦2.7 Billion Found Hidden in Church Basement

In a dramatic raid that has stunned the Christian community and rekindled the debate on financial transparency in religious institutions, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Pastor Emmanuel Ajala, the General Overseer of FireTower Prophetic Ministries International, after ₦2.7 billion in cash was discovered hidden in the church’s basement vault.

The operation, which took place at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, followed a 3-month undercover investigation after multiple whistleblowers alerted the anti-graft agency to suspicious financial transactions linked to the church’s multiple bank accounts and an offshore charity registered in Cyprus.

“We recovered ₦2.7 billion in sealed bags of cash, foreign currencies worth over $1.1 million, gold bars, and sensitive documents indicating international money transfers,” said EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a press briefing at the commission’s Lagos office.

Shocking Discovery

Located on Chevron Drive, Lekki, FireTower Prophetic Ministries is known for its opulence, frequent miracle crusades, and Pastor Ajala’s flamboyant lifestyle, including a fleet of exotic cars, a private jet, and a controversial “First Fruits Tower” campaign that demanded members’ January salaries.

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Security camera footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed armored bags being delivered at night by unidentified men wearing military-grade outfits.

Church Members React

Members of the church were thrown into confusion and disbelief.

“This man changed my life… I gave my first car during the altar sowing night. I still can’t believe this,” said Mrs. Ejiro Efe, a longtime church worker, who broke down in tears outside the sealed church premises.

Others expressed outrage, demanding accountability and refund of donations they believe were “used for personal gain.”

“We trusted him with our souls and our money,” said Mr. Joseph Okonkwo, a former youth leader in the ministry. “Turns out it was all a scam.”

Pastor Ajala Claims Innocence

Despite being in EFCC custody at an undisclosed location, Pastor Ajala’s legal team released a statement claiming the funds were “designated for international missions and global evangelical outreach.”

His lead attorney, Barrister Queeneth Mordi, argued that:

“Our client is being persecuted for being successful in a country that hates successful preachers. The funds are not stolen; they were declared and recorded by the church’s financial trustees.”

Legal Proceedings Begin

The EFCC has obtained a court order to detain the pastor for 14 days pending full investigations. A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi has scheduled an emergency hearing for Monday, June 9, where formal charges are expected to be filed, including:

• Money laundering

• Tax evasion

• Operation of unlicensed financial services

• Breach of the Non-Profit Financial Transparency Act

Public Outcry & Religious Accountability

Religious leaders and civil society groups have started calling for tighter regulations on religious finances.

Rev. Gideon Bakare, of the National Christian Watch Network, stated:

“If these allegations are true, it is time for full audits of all major churches and mosques. Holiness without accountability is hypocrisy.”

Dobblog will continue its independent investigation into the assets and international ties of Pastor Ajala and FireTower Prophetic Ministries. Expect updates as more shocking details emerge.