First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been ordered to pay Ibrahim Magu’s pastor, Emmanuel Omale, the sum of N504.5 million as damages over alleged defamation of character.
Magu had allegedly laundered millions of naira in other countries through Omale, who is the founder of Divine Hand of God Ministry, during his time as the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA), Magu had at various times, paid huge sums of money into Omale’s FCMB account for undisclosed reasons.
When queried, Magu described Omale as his pastor.
Omale also dismissed allegations that part of the said fund was used to purchase houses for Magu in Dubai.
The pastor then filed a suit against FCMB for releasing his transaction details to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for investigation.
Omale further demanded a public apology from the bank.
Delivering judgment on the matter on Wednesday, October 5, the presiding judge, Yusuf Halilu, ordered the bank to pay Omale the sum of N504.5 million for damages.
The money would be paid to Omale, his wife, and the ministry over “irreparable damages” suffered by them since news broke of their alleged involvement in fraud.
