N305m Fraud: Court Remands UK-based Nigerian Pastor In Ibadan Prison

A United Kingdom (UK)-based cleric, Pastor Paul-Kayode Joash has been remanded in the correctional facility, Agodi, Ibadan for allegedly defrauding three persons the sum of N305 million.

Joash, who is the Senior Pastor, The Great House Nation Church, located at former BJ Rentals building, bordering Sango cemetery, Ibadan, was alleged to have collected the huge sum from the three people. The fund was meant to procure work placement for those intending to migrate to the UK for healthcare job.

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

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 said to have been sneaking in and out of Nigeria to escape those he allegedly defrauded.

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

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.

When he was arraigned at a magistrate court in Ibadan on October 30, Joash pleaded ‘Not guilty’ to the charges.

He was admitted to N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed and must be ready to deposit their international passports. One of the sureties must also have property in Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.

The case was adjourned to December 18 for mention.