Ebenezer Oduntan, a former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David, based in Kildare, has been convicted on multiple charges of theft, fraud, and breaches of company law, involving over €125,000.
Oduntan, who resided in Curragh Grange, Newbridge, Co Kildare, faced 87 charges in total and was found guilty of all counts at the Naas Circuit Court following a three-week trial.
An investigation into Oduntan’s finances revealed that between 2012 and 2018, he passed five times his declared income through his bank accounts.
His conviction includes 73 counts of theft, nine breaches of company law, and five counts of deception.
Oduntan was found guilty of misappropriating church funds, including issuing cheques to himself, some amounting to as much as €20,000.
The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) reported that Oduntan had orchestrated an intricate fraud scheme by inflating donations made to the church, resulting in unjustified payments from the Revenue Commissioners under the Charitable Donation Scheme.
Testimonies during the trial were provided by officials from the Charities Regulator, the Companies Registration Office, the Revenue Commissioners, financial institutions, and several RCCG members.
The CEA’s forensic accountant detailed the complete lack of financial controls and corporate governance within the church under Oduntan’s leadership.
Despite the church’s mission to spread the gospel and promote a holy lifestyle, Oduntan’s actions significantly undermined its values. At its height, the church, located at Naas Enterprise Park, had over 100 families contributing to its funds.
Mid-trial, Oduntan admitted to furnishing false information to the Companies Registration Office and pleaded guilty to nine counts related to false declarations, five counts of deception, and 19 counts of theft.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on the remaining 54 charges. Following the verdict, Judge Martina Baxter remanded Oduntan in custody, with sentencing set for April 10th.
