FCID reportedly grills Pastor Bolaji Idowu over alleged real estate fraud in Abuja

• Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), is under investigation by the FCID in Abuja
• Pastor Idowu faces claims of involvement in real estate fraud and money laundering
• Mixed reactions trail the news, with opinions ranging from scepticism to outright support for the pastor

The Lead Pastor of the Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), Bolaji Idowu, is currently being interrogated by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Reports from Sahara Reporters indicate that Pastor Idowu, widely recognised for his "Next-Level Prayer Conference," is under investigation for alleged involvement in real estate fraud and money laundering.

A police source disclosed that the popular cleric was taken into custody and is being probed for his alleged activities linked to fraudulent real estate dealings and financial misconduct.

Details surrounding the allegations remain unclear, as neither Pastor Idowu nor representatives of HICC have made an official statement regarding the matter.

Further information on the case is expected as investigations continue. This development has sparked widespread discussions, especially among the church's followers and members of the public, who are eagerly awaiting updates from law enforcement authorities.

Mixed reactions from social media users

Reactions to the news on Instagram highlight Nigerians' polarised views regarding pastors and their perceived involvement in scandals.

@ojayyy_: “Under no circumstances should this happen. It's not like we don’t already know that some of your big daddies are accomplices and are well involved with politicians and drugs. We do know. That’s why I respect Pastor Tobi. Man is out there living accordingly and barely under any guise.”

@tee_olabalogun: “There’s no evidence yet, he was just invited abeg.”

@_vanizia: “We read, we don’t judge.”

@classic_rossie: “I am not surprised! These pastors do a lot of shady things behind closed doors. If you find him guilty, lock him up and fling the keys.”

@charmnova_: “Ghen Ghen!! Harvesters come and defend una yahoo pastor.”

@pollyekong: “Daddy Freeze setting ring light and microphone.”

@chomzee_best: “There is no big church in this Nigeria that doesn’t launder money for politicians, none at all.”

@kelvin_krtz: “Just so you know, churches have increasingly become tools for politicians to launder money.”

@compoundingnaira: “How dare you question a Man of God? Asked by over 150M mumus in our country.”

Some commenters took a satirical tone:

@daceluxury1: “Grills?? Na catfish?”

@lyn_signature: “Abeg release him ooo... he has to officiate my wedding this Sat. Village people don’t want me to marry!”

@flourish_of_accra_: “‘Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm...’ no be for FCID o.”

@lord_centt: “It’s not true, even if it is true, nothing can change my perception of him. Pastor Bolaji Idowu is a man of God, and I’ve benefited from his teachings... Let God be God.”

@theprettytari: “They’re trying their best to bring every great man and woman down in this country. Anyways, let them investigate, and if he’s found guilty, then let the law do its thing.”

Nigerians descend heavily on Pastor Adeboye and son over alleged N8b fraud case

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that many Nigerians expressed anger at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, especially at the general overseer who recently said the country's problems are spiritual and not political. 

The son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Adeolu Adeboye, and his wife were reportedly involved in an alleged fraud case. They had allegedly received N8 billion for a road construction project but only completed 30 per cent of the project.