In a rare public statement, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), has addressed the serious allegations of his involvement in a N1.5 billion fraud case.
The controversial allegations, which have rocked the media in recent days, claim that Pastor Idowu was detained for questioning in connection with a real estate fraud and money laundering scheme.
Speaking on the matter during his Next Level online prayer session on Wednesday, the cleric vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
‘I Am Innocent, I Have No Involvement’
Pastor Idowu made it clear to his followers that the allegations were completely false and unfounded.
“There has been a lot of news about me on social media,” he said. “I just want to state some facts clearly. I heard that number one, I was involved in real estate. I do not and anyone that has contrary evidence can produce it.”
The pastor explained that he had no ties to the real estate market and was not involved in any property transactions, whether buying or selling.
“I do not have any property in Nigeria,” he continued. “The only property I have in Nigeria was one that my late parents bequeathed to me. There is no property that I have bought or have in Nigeria.”
Public Support and Gratitude Amidst Allegations
In the face of growing controversy, Pastor Idowu expressed deep gratitude to his congregants and followers who stood by him during the ongoing media storm.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, which suggest that the pastor may have been involved in fraudulent activities worth billions of naira, he chose not to dive into the details during his online prayer session.
He acknowledged the outpouring of support from his church community, stating, “Thank you to all of you that showed a lot of love. Thank you for doing that.”
While Pastor Idowu did not provide extensive details, he did take the opportunity to assure his followers that he had not received large sums of money into his accounts, as some reports suggested.
“I do not sell or buy properties. Someone said I received billions into my account. My accounts are public accounts, you can go and check if I have ever received billions into my account,” he added.
The pastor’s remarks came just a day after reports circulated that he was in police custody for questioning about the fraud case.
Unfounded Rumors and Media Speculation
The rumors surrounding Pastor Idowu began earlier in the week when certain media platforms reported that the cleric was under investigation by the police for his alleged involvement in a fraud scheme. These reports claimed that he was connected to a real estate deal involving the sum of N1.5 billion, which is suspected to be part of a broader money laundering operation.
The news spread quickly across social media and traditional media outlets, fueling public speculation about the pastor’s role in the scandal. However, Pastor Idowu’s online statement directly challenged these reports, providing a clear and firm rebuttal of the allegations.
He did not delve into the specifics of the investigation, but his statements were a direct response to the accusations circulating in the media.
A Matter of Public Trust and Reputation
As the founder and leader of one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Christian ministries, Pastor Idowu’s reputation has been under intense scrutiny.
With the HICC’s reach extending across the country, the allegations against him have raised concerns within the church community, with some followers calling for clarity and transparency.
“I do not have any involvement in this matter,” Pastor Idowu reiterated. “This is not the forum to address all of the rumors, but I want to assure you all that I am innocent.”
The pastor’s statement appears to be aimed at reassuring his supporters and restoring public trust. He emphasized his innocence in the face of widespread rumors and hinted that the full details of the matter would eventually come to light.
Support from Congregation and Church Leaders
Pastor Idowu’s message was met with a wave of support from his church members, many of whom took to social media to express their unwavering belief in his integrity.
One member of the congregation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “We know Pastor Bolaji, and we know his character. These allegations are false, and we stand by him.”
Church leaders also rallied behind Pastor Idowu, affirming that the allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Concerns
While Pastor Idowu has publicly denied the allegations, the investigation is still ongoing.
The police have yet to release an official statement about the details of the fraud case or the progress of their inquiries into the matter.
As the legal process continues, Pastor Idowu has promised to cooperate fully with authorities, should they require any further information. However, he remains confident that the truth will prevail, clearing his name of any wrongdoing.
A Church Leader Under Fire
The allegations against Pastor Idowu highlight the growing scrutiny faced by religious leaders in Nigeria, particularly as many church leaders come under the public spotlight due to their wealth, influence, and involvement in various business ventures.
While Pastor Idowu’s legal battle is still unfolding, his response to the fraud allegations underscores the ongoing tensions between personal faith, public perception, and the challenges of maintaining credibility in an era of rampant social media rumors.
For now, Pastor Idowu remains adamant in his stance of innocence, and his followers continue to offer their support as the situation develops.
