Cleric Remanded In Prison Over Alleged N305m Fraud

A magistrate court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the remand of a United Kingdom (UK)-based cleric, Pastor Paul-Kayode Joash, at the correctional facility, Agodi, Ibadan for allegedly defrauding three persons of N305 million.

Joash, who is the Senior Pastor, The Great House Nation Church, Ibadan, was alleged to have collected the huge sum from the three people.

The cleric was arrested in his church by policemen following a report by the victims.

He was arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command on a 10-count charge bordering on obtaining money under pretence an offence which is punishable under the criminal code of the laws of the state.

Osun Defender gathered that the fund was meant to procure certificate of sponsorship for those intending to migrate to the UK for healthcare jobs.

He was said to have charged between £3,500 and £5,500 per candidate but failed to provide the certificates after one year.

He was alleged to have obtained a sum of N134,823,750 from a victim; N30 million from another; N135,177,750 from one and N5,881,000 from another victim totalling N305,882,500.

He however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The cleric was admitted to N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to December 18 for mention.