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 PUNCH Metro 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.
PUNCH Metro 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.”
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