Like any other minister of God, the job of Pastor Isaiah Willie of Happy People Bible Church in the Ayobo area of Lagos State was to preach spiritual redemption to members of his congregation.
However, police investigations have revealed that the 40-year-old preacher was not only into bank fraud but was also part of an armed robbery gang.
The father of two, who is cooling his heels in the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, told newsmen that he had been into crime for many years, adding that he had been arrested a few years ago but was later released.
Narrating how he and others usually perpetrated bank fraud, he said, “I used to work with a group of guys who are retired bankers. One of them was even a bank manager. Most times, we would get a virgin cheque of a bank customer and the owner’s signature.
“If the money is a large sum, the teller would contact the owner of the account on the telephone but we would have already hacked the telephone number of the customer such that when the bank calls the owner of the account for confirmation, it would be one of my members that would answer the call and give approval for withdrawal.
“We were able to perpetrate the fraud in Fortune Bank and African Express Bank which are both defunct now. Sometimes we, through the connivance of bank employees, used to clean out dead people’s accounts and use the money to do business. Most times, families of dead people don’t get to access their relative’s account until months or years after the person’s death.”
Willie said he was arrested by the police for his fraudulent activities but regained his freedom when his gang members secured his release.
It was also learnt that about a year later after Willie had decided never to commit crimes, the pastor was lured back by a gang of robbers that specialised in breaking and stealing from Automated Teller Machines.
He said, “I met a man who is from my hometown, Confidence Saviour. He was wanted by the police so I told him he could live with me. A few weeks later, he told me to drop some equipment at a nearby bush and later that night, he gave me N10, 000.
“He eventually told me that he and his gang were breaking into ATMs and making a lot of money so I decided to join them. I never followed them for any operation but I usually left their operation tools -such as sledge hammer, generator and iron cutters- near the bank where they wanted to attack and I would leave.
“However, on one occasion, they went to rob at the Ayobo branch of Access Bank. Instead of dropping the equipment and collecting the usual N10, 000, I wanted more money this time around so I hid in a bush nearby. Unfortunately, the robbery did not go as planned as three policemen were killed at the scene. I was later arrested by SARS men when other gang members mentioned my name.”
The cleric, who was close to tears, said he had disappointed God and urged the police to give him one last chance.
While quoting Romans Chapter 6 verse 1, he said, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. I know I have disappointed my congregation and I urge them not to backslide. I have been a preacher for over 10 years and I have led many people to God. My flesh was weak. I know that God will forgive me for my crime because I am genuinely sorry.”
PUNCH Metro Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
Ole! Onye Oshi!. She bi they call you daddy What about Mummy!. You have not told us what you were doing with tithes and offering.A bi na God chop that one too! All these impressionable people following their pastors as if they are God will never learn.
ReplyDeleteYou've had your chance in the past to repent but u went back into crimes. By the way, who does this fool think he's appealing to? God or the Nigerian constitution? We have a justice system that metes out punishment on criminals regardless of ur religious affiliation.
ReplyDeleteWhat a farce, begging for another chance. Stupid hypocritical "man of gold" who claims to be man of God.
Pple like u bring the name of Jesus into disrepute and make ignorant unbelievers paint all Christians with the same brush.
You should be sent to years inside where u can have opportunity to preach to fellow inmates as a way to atone for ur disgraceful acts.
Dat's christian 4 u
ReplyDeletehow GOD wl 4gv u even orphans inheritance u did nt leave,GOD wl punish ur generations 4 dis bcos u are heartless wicked nd etc.
ReplyDeleteHe should be geven life jail term were he would have opportunity to preach to imate - friends.
ReplyDeleteGOD is so merciful HE may likely forgive u but firstly return back to those u robbed and defraud their properties and for the law of the land,this is “NIGERIA“ a country where people with “DUBIOUS and QUESTIONABLE“ charracters like u are in power and in control. So,with such a corrupt people in high places u can buy ur freedom and ur way out. What an idiot begging for just one chance to repent after mis-using and abussing the first chance giving to him,well i‘m pretty sure it‘s the “SYSTEMS“ that encourage and leads him and people with little faith like him into crime. MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD FORGIVE US ALL!
ReplyDeleteGOD is so merciful HE may likely forgive u but firstly return back to those u robbed and defraud their properties and for the law of the land,this is “NIGERIA“ a country where people with “DUBIOUS and QUESTIONABLE“ charracters like u are in power and in control. So,with such a corrupt people in high places u can buy ur freedom and ur way out. What an idiot begging for just one chance to repent after mis-using and abussing the first chance giving to him,well i‘m pretty sure it‘s the “SYSTEMS“ that encourage and leads him and people with little faith like him into crime. MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD FORGIVE US ALL!!!
ReplyDeleteMurtala u r a BIG FOOL 4 dat statment! Ur brothers dat are kiling people mercylesly in d north are they not Muslims fools
ReplyDeleteMurtala u r a fool! 4 dat statmet, those dat are killing people mercylesly in d north are they not Muslims?
ReplyDeleteMurtala u r a BIG FOOL 4 dat statment! Ur brothers dat are kiling people mercylesly in d north are they not Muslims fools
ReplyDelete