Pastor Okoni Dismisses Reports of Withholding Mistakenly Sent Funds
Pastor Okoni Dismisses Reports of Withholding Mistakenly Sent Funds
The City of Zuph Ministries International Lead Pastor Walter Okoni has dismissed claims that he refused to return the sum of five million naira (5,000.000.00) mistakenly sent to him by a church member.
He described the claim as the handiwork of mischief makers and scam artists attempting to implicate him in an online fraud scheme, says the public should disregard such speculations.
Speaking to Closer TV Online in Yenagoa, Pastor Okoni explained that he received a fund transfer of five million naira from Awonire Oluwafunmi on November 24, 2023, and was subsequently approached by another individual, Saniyigha Moses Elaimi, requesting a reversal of the transaction.
Noticing discrepancies in the account details between the initial sender and Elaimi, who is a member of his church, Okoni said he decide not to send the money and immediately reported the issue to his lawyer.
Expressing astonishment at the media speculation, Pastor Okoni emphasized that such reports are unverified and go against the principles of responsible journalism.
He noted that he has since written the bank with his lawyer through which he received the funds, urging a swift reversal of the funds to Awonire Oluwafunmi,
Remaining undeterred by threats from the suspected fraudsters seeking a reversal, Pastor Okoni urged the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He advised his members and the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant against scams while categorically refuting the media reports as spurious, misleading and baseless.
