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Pastor Bolaji Idowu Denies Real Estate Fraud and Money Laundering Allegations
Key Takeaways from Pastor Idowu’s Statement
- Pastor Bolaji Idowu firmly denied any involvement in real estate fraud or money laundering.
- He clarified that he does not own any real estate in Nigeria, aside from inherited properties.
- Despite allegations, his financial records remain transparent and open for scrutiny.
- Influential figures intervened to secure his release from police custody following the accusations.
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The Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has publicly refuted recent claims linking him to real estate fraud and money laundering activities.
The pastor described the allegations as baseless and misleading, asserting that they were an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The controversy began when reports surfaced on Tuesday, alleging that Pastor Bolaji Idowu had been detained by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.
The claims suggested that he was being investigated for his involvement in a fraudulent real estate scheme.
The police reportedly claimed that billions of naira had been funneled into his personal and church accounts as part of the scheme.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu Responds to Real Estate Fraud Allegations
Addressing the matter during his church’s popular Next Level Prayers session on Wednesday, Pastor Idowu categorically denied owning or dealing in real estate within Nigeria.
He reassured his congregation that his only property in the country is one inherited from his family, and he does not possess any real estate assets or engage in property dealings.
“I do not have any property in Nigeria.
The only property I have in Nigeria is the one bequeathed to me. So, there is no property that I have or bought in Nigeria,” Pastor Idowu stated, further emphasizing the transparency of his financial records.
Allegations and Investigations Surrounding Pastor Bolaji Idowu
Despite Pastor Idowu’s strong denial, reports continued to circulate, alleging that the pastor was involved in a N1.5 billion fraud linked to a real estate scheme. Police sources suggested that the investigation stemmed from the activities of a pastor within Idowu’s church, who was accused of duping several individuals in a real estate scam. Funds connected to the fraudulent scheme were allegedly traced to both the pastor’s church and personal bank accounts.
Pastor Idowu’s release was reportedly facilitated by high-profile interventions from influential Christian leaders and figures within the Aso Rock Villa, which is the Nigerian government’s seat of power.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Pastor Idowu was released after significant pressure was exerted on the Nigerian police.
The Role of Pastor Bolaji Idowu in the Harvesters Church
Pastor Bolaji Idowu founded Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC) in December 2003.
Over the years, the church has grown substantially, with locations in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
HICC attracts over 70,000 worshippers both online and onsite, cementing its place as one of Nigeria’s prominent religious organizations.
The church’s Next Level Prayers platform, founded by Pastor Idowu, has become widely known for its encouragement of a robust prayer life, bringing together thousands of participants from around the world.
This situation continues to unfold, and Pastor Bolaji Idowu has vowed to fight these fraud allegations and clear his name. His transparent handling of the matter, coupled with his public response, remains a key aspect of this ongoing investigation.
