EFCC arrests pastor for N200million fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arrested one Jonathan Ibinabo Alatoru, a self-acclaimed pastor and Chief Executive Officer, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited, for conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N200million.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement on Friday that the suspect had earlier jumped bail but was rearrested by operatives of the commission in a sting operation on Thursday.

He said the suspect was awarded a contract by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to construct a skills acquisition centre at Igualeba, Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State which he failed to execute.

Uwujaren said the contract which was awarded to the tune of N1.7 billion was expected to be completed within a year.

He added that the contract was cancelled in 2011 when the contractor failed to complete the contract in 18 months.

It was further stated that the contractor approached Sterling Bank Plc to obtain a loan facility and presented a Certificate of Occupancy and a mortgage agreement letter to facilitate the loan.

The EFCC spokesman alleged that the documents presented by the suspect belonged to a former Governor of Cross River State, AVM Babatunde Elegbede, who died in 1994.

Uwujaren said the commission would charge the suspect to court soon.

The suspect was alleged to have connived with some members of staff of the bank and another accomplice to commit the alleged fraud.