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  Efcc Detains Catholic Priest over Alleged $44,000 Scam

The Nation
September 12, 2011

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news-update/19357-efcc-detains-catholic-priest-over-alleged-44-000-scam.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested and detained a Catholic priest, Rev.Fr Remigius Onyelu for allegedly defrauding an Abuja businesswoman, Mrs. Ijeoma Ugwah of about $44,000.

The Catholic priest was said to have been arrested at the Pope John II Guest House in Wuse 2, Abuja at about 10am.

The priest, who was interrogated for hours yesterday, is being detained at the EFCC headquarters pending the conclusion of investigation.

A source said: “The priest was alleged to have conspired with her younger sister, Princess Ebere David to obtain the money from the victim under the guise of helping her to process university education for her daughter in Canada where Rev Fr. Onyelu claims he has been on pastoral assignment for 15 years.

“Two years after making the payments, the victim was shocked to discover that she has fallen into a wrong hand who hides under his pastoral duties to defraud unsuspecting parents seeking admission for their children in Canada.

“She subsequently sent a petition to the EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, who promptly assigned a team of operatives to put the priest on watch-list and arrest him any time he returns to Nigeria .

“While the Rev Fr. is being detained for interrogation, operatives were said to have declared a manhunt for his accomplice who has gone into hiding.

The EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest of the priest and declined further comments.

“The case is still under investigation, I cannot give you the details,” he added.

 
 

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