Faking in the name of God

 five pastors are inb the police net  for allegedly impersonating military officers.

The pastors, identified as Macrran Ransome, Al-Hassan Emmanuel, Raymond Bakeh,Sunday Ofordu, and Robison Igbarumah, were arrested by officers from the Arakah military barracks, Apapa, on March 1.

The suspects said they joined the military chaplaincy through a non-profit organization called GO ARMY, a humanitarian organization which empowers local pastors to enhance their ministry and serve humanity.

Three of the suspects bear the rank of lieutenant colonel, one a major-general and another captain.

The Police spokesperson, Frank Mba, said investigations revealed that the suspects are civilians who used the NGO to extort money from innocent citizens.

“These men were arrested for impersonation and unlawful possession of military kits. They were arrested by the military police, Nigerian Army, at Arakah Barracks, operating an illegal organisation called Go Army. They claimed to be army officers, wearing army kits, and their emblems look like that of the Nigerian Army, with fake identity cards,” Mr. Mba said.

The suspects alleged that Mr. Ransome is the brain behind the NGO. They claimed that they their love to preach the gospel made them to join the NGO whose 50 members paid a total of almost to N4 million to join.

Mr. Ransome, who is also referred to as the commander general and the chaplain lieutenant colonel, however said he started the NGO with the intention to propagate the gospel.

“I am the one who introduced the pastors to the NGO. This started in April, 2009. I was using the auditorium of my church called Apostolic Christian Chapel at Itire, as training centre for the pastors. The NGO is meant to enhance the pastors’ ministries so that they can serve humanity. We have close to 50 members and each person paid at less N2, 500 for the form. We collect membership fees which can be up to N70, 000.

Fake NGO

“I have forwarded the name of the NGO to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration but it has not been registered yet. I got the materials and kits from the market. I did not know that what I was doing is a crime,” said Mr. Ransome.

The illegal NGO was exposed when members suspected foul play and decided to approach the said Directorate for clarifications.

“I paid N2, 500 to obtain my form with the NGO. I also paid another N72, 000 to become a member. I did not know that this is a fake organization,” said Mr. Sunday.

Mr. Mba said: “It is only those in the military that can join the military chaplaincy. It is unlawful to be in possession of military items. They have in their possession identity cards bearing ranks similar to the military: colonel, and captain and major. This act is unlawful. They will be charged to court.”