The forthright Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, has accused numerous Nigerian clergy of issuing false prophecies and performing counterfeit miracles for financial gain and notoriety.
During a recent service at the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, which took place on January 28th, Mr. Mbaka delivered these remarks. A video capturing his statements was shared on the ministry’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, sparking widespread discussion throughout Nigeria’s Christian-majority south-east region.
In his critique, Mr. Mbaka, who serves as the spiritual director of the ministry, highlighted the detrimental impact of these fraudulent activities on families. “Many of us (clergy) have begun exploiting preaching and prophecies for financial extraction, a practice I term ‘money mining.’ What’s even more alarming is the use of prophecies as a form of gambling, engaging in prophetic trial and error,” he commented.
Mr. Mbaka cautioned those seeking wealth and fame through deceitful means to pursue other avenues. “The fake will inevitably disappear. If your goal is to earn money, venture into business instead. Refrain from exploiting God’s name to swindle individuals. Fame can be achieved by other means,” he advised.
He recounted an incident where an individual, previously a recipient of his scholarship program, falsely claimed to have been cured of blindness at a crusade, a deception later confessed. “This person admitted to being offered N50,000 alongside others for their participation in the charade,” Mr. Mbaka shared, urging an end to the manipulation of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Controversy ensued when Mr. Mbaka mentioned that certain clergy have visited his ministry, taken photos with him, and then used those images to establish their own churches and mislead the public.
Following the widespread sharing of the video, many speculated that Mr. Mbaka’s comments were directed at Ebuka Obi, a former associate and founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, particularly because of a shared photo of Mr. Mbaka washing Mr. Obi’s feet.
Mr. Obi, who grew up in a devout Catholic family and later founded his ministry while retaining some Catholic traditions, has faced criticism for portraying himself as a divine intermediary capable of solving all spiritual dilemmas.
Responding to the rumors, Mr. Mbaka clarified in a subsequent service, “I did not name anyone in my sermon last Sunday. However, if you believe it pertains to you, then so be it.”
He reiterated his caution to clergy everywhere against fabricating prophecies. “I was unequivocal in my condemnation of staged prophecies, often referred to as ‘arrangee prophecy,'” he asserted.
Mr. Mbaka also theorized that the reason many religious leaders employ extensive security measures is due to fear of retribution from those they’ve misled. “Only those who have wronged others fear retaliation. Otherwise, why wouldn’t a true man of God be able to mingle freely among the people without a security escort?” he questioned, blending Igbo with English in his statement.