A Nigerian man who accidentally transferred ₦1 million instead of ₦100,000 to his church’s account has taken legal action after the pastor refused to refund the excess ₦900,000, insisting it was a “spiritual matter.”
The incident, which occurred in late May 2025, gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online showing the man arriving at the pastor’s residence accompanied by police officers. The man explained that he had intended to donate ₦100,000 but mistakenly sent ₦1 million. Upon realizing the error, he contacted the pastor to request a refund of the ₦900,000 overpayment.
Despite multiple appeals, the pastor allegedly refused to return the funds, stating that the money was a gift to God and therefore nonrefundable. In the video, the pastor can be heard telling the man to “go to court and collect it,” emphasizing that the issue was spiritual in nature .
Frustrated by the pastor’s stance, the man involved law enforcement. Officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) accompanied him to the pastor’s residence to address the matter. The video captures the tense exchange between the parties, highlighting the man’s insistence on retrieving his funds and the pastor’s unwavering refusal.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media platforms, with many users criticizing the pastor’s actions. Some commenters expressed disbelief, while others questioned the ethical implications of the pastor’s refusal to refund the money.
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that while religious institutions often operate under different guidelines, financial transactions are still subject to civil laws. The case underscores the importance of clear communication and accountability in financial dealings, even within religious contexts.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential complexities of financial transactions and the importance of promptly addressing errors to prevent misunderstandings.
Link to Video: Watch the incident here
