Sunday, August 17, 2025 -The Pastor of Word and Miracle Embassy Church in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Pastor Joel Oladipupo Abadariki, has debunked media reports alleging that he is on the run from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a property scam involving a US-based cleric, Pastor Esther Paul, and her company, Zen Estate and Developer.
The report by an online platform, Nigerian News Leader,
claimed that the EFCC was pursuing Abadariki over allegations of defrauding
Paul of more than ₦100 million and $100,000.
But, in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday in
Abuja, Abadariki described the publication as “malicious, misleading, and
designed to tarnish my reputation,” insisting that he had never been invited
by the EFCC in connection with the matter.
“How can someone with a known address be running from
arrest? I am in my church every day, from Monday to Sunday,” he asked.
The cleric, who admitted that he once partnered with Paul in
a real estate venture, dismissed insinuations of fraud, stressing that their
dealings were transparent.
According to him, Paul herself proposed the partnership,
citing divine instruction, and alongside her sister, Vera Idemudia, provided
funds for the business.
He explained that he only managed affairs locally in Nigeria,
as other directors were based abroad.
Abadariki recounted how they purchased land, rented an
office, and employed staff, stressing that he never received any salary for his
role in the company.
He further alleged that Idemudia had, on several occasions,
threatened his life over disagreements in the partnership.
The pastor challenged the media platform to provide
evidence of any EFCC invitation letter against him, warning that failure to
retract the report would compel him to seek redress in court.
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