For years, several Nigerian-founded churches in the United Kingdom have faced questions over how they handle money. 

Accusations of fraud, poor record-keeping, and mismanagement have drawn attention from the UK Charity Commission, which oversees nonprofit organisations. Here are some Nigerian churches that have been linked to money scandal allegations in the UK.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM UK) — Dr. Daniel Olukoya

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries also drew attention after the UK Charity Commission froze more than 100 bank accounts belonging to its UK branches. 

The Commission said the church’s local branches made major financial decisions without approval from central trustees.

MFM had expanded rapidly across the UK but failed to improve its financial supervision systems. An interim manager was appointed to oversee its accounts and help restore compliance. The Commission described the case as “serious mismanagement.”

Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) — Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

KICC, led by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, faced financial controversy in the early 2000s when the Charity Commission investigated how funds were being used. 

In a related case, former trustee and ex-footballer Richard Rufus was found guilty of defrauding the church and its members of nearly £5 million through fake investments.

Rufus used the funds for personal luxury and was later sentenced to prison. 

Although the fraud was committed by a trustee and not the pastor, it exposed major weaknesses in the church’s financial oversight.

Christ Embassy (UK Branch) — Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

In 2019, the UK Charity Commission found what it described as serious misconduct and mismanagement within Christ Embassy’s UK branch. Investigations showed that between 2009 and 2011, the church sent over £600,000 to partner organisations in Nigeria without proper documentation or evidence of how the money was used.

The commission also discovered undeclared properties, unpaid taxes, and transactions involving groups tied to church leaders. Two trustees resigned during the probe, and an interim manager was appointed to restore order. 

The church’s accounts were frozen, and a new board of trustees was later formed to improve transparency.

Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel UK) — Bishop David Oyedepo

The UK branch of Winners’ Chapel came under scrutiny between 2009 and 2012 after transferring more than £16 million to its Nigerian headquarters. 

The money was reportedly meant for charitable work in Africa, but concerns were raised over the purpose and transparency of the transfers.

After investigation, the UK Charity Commission found no evidence of wrongdoing and cleared the church. The report, however, advised stronger financial controls and more detailed accounting of how donations are spent.

SPAC Nation (Salvation Proclaimers Ministries Ltd) — Pastor Tobi Adegboyega

SPAC Nation, led by Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, was shut down in June 2022 by the UK High Court after investigations revealed financial irregularities. The church could not account for £1.87 million and was accused of poor financial management.

The BBC also reported that members were pressured to donate money obtained through loans or benefits, claims the church denied. 

The Charity Commission described the situation as “serious misconduct.” The church’s closure order remains one of the most high-profile cases involving a Nigerian-led ministry in the UK.