The Nigerian police have released Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), following intervention by influential figures from Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of government, and prominent clerics.
Pastor Idowu had been detained by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja over allegations of a N1.5 billion fraud linked to a real estate scheme. Police sources revealed that funds traced from the scheme were deposited in both the church’s account and Pastor Idowu’s personal account.
SaharaReporters learned that Pastor Idowu’s release on Tuesday evening followed significant pressure from key figures, including President Bola Tinubu’s Aso Rock Villa and senior pastors in the country. A source confirmed, “He has been asked to return the money traced to his account within two weeks.”
The case reportedly stemmed from complaints against one of his pastors, accused of defrauding people through a real estate scheme.
Pastor Idowu, who founded the church in 2003, is known for his “Next Level Prayers” platform, which attracts thousands of participants worldwide. Harvesters International has expanded globally, with locations in Nigeria, the UK, and the US, drawing over 70,000 worshippers both online and onsite.
