Abuja First Baptist Church debunks rumours of financial fraud

First Baptist Church, Garki Abuja, has said there was no time in the church its funds were mismanaged contrary to some rumours and fabricated stories making the round on social media.

The church in a statement signed by its trustee, Dr Emmanuel Chibuzor Ibe and its secretary Deacon Adedamola Akanbi said the story is unfounded and should be disregarded by the public.

Specifically, the church stated that the former Senior Pastor of the.Church, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji.was at no time indicted for financial impropriety.

While noting that Rev Akanji pastored the church for 22 years without any scandal, the church stated that there ‘ was never a time when the Constitution and the Byelaw of our church (First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja) duly filed and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission, was forged by anyone or group of people for whatever reason.

‘There was never a time in the history of our Church when any money or property was misappropriated or converted by anyone or group of people. The account of our Church is intact, regularly audited and has been under the management of qualified financial personnel.’

The church also stated that under the watch of Rev. Akanji, every transaction made by it adhered strictly to due process and its policies.

Church Grew Under Akanji

Under Rev Akanji according to the statement, ‘the Church grew from nowhere to become unarguably one of the leading Churches in the Nigerian Baptist Convention.’

It added that, ‘everything done under the watch of the former Senior Pastor, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji was endorsed by the whole church in accordance with the Practices and Policies of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.’

The church also debunked stories that t has lodged complaints with the Nigeria Police while also stating that all ‘legal action against the Church and her leadership is sponsored by evil forces determined to malign, harass and embarrass the church and the former Senior Pastor.’

It appreciated.many Nigerians who have called to express concerns about the unfounded story, while expressing confidence that ‘the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja is marching on and the gate of hell shall not prevail.’