The saying that whatever a man sows he reaps rightly captures the conviction of Pastor Michael Spring Inyang and four others whose hope of enjoying the proceeds of an alleged crime was dashed as they were made to spend Christmas and begin the new year in prison after the courts handed them various jail terms.

Inyang, the proprietor of Christian Millionaires Club, is to spend the next four years behind the bar after Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Lagos High Court found him guilty of 17-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The pastor, who allegedly used the name of God to defraud hundreds of his followers, began his scam in 2006 when he registered an organisation known as Christian Millionaires Club through which he persuaded victims to part with their resources with an assurance that bountiful rewards awaited them here on earth and in heaven.

The convict also told his victims that his club was affiliated to a popular Christian body in USA and as such, whatever they contributed would be rewarded in folds at the end of the year. This led many of the victims to sell their properties, while some borrowed money from the banks to invest in the club.

Almost immediately, Pastor Inyang’s life changed for the better. He moved from one room apartment in Egbeda to a duplex in a choice area in Lagos while he bought sophisticated cars to complement his new status. But their hope was dashed when at the end of the year, Inyang was no where to be found. So, in 2007, the case was reported to the EFCC and he was later arrested. After the completion of investigation, he was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of Ikeja High Court where he was eventually convicted.

Also convicted at the end of 2009 was a former corps member, Mr. Alli Olumide Monsuru.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/05012010/news/news15.html