Adeboye shares painful experience how he was swindled by man promising commandant role

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shared a personal story about how he was swindled many years ago by a man who promised to make him a commandant of a paramilitary group.

Adeboye revealed this on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday while cautioning Christians and Nigerians against rushing ahead of God’s timing.

He emphasised that God makes everything beautiful in His own time, and that the pursuit of worldly gains often caused people to miss out on far greater blessings.

“It is not wrong to want to achieve something great or pursue a good cause, but if you try to outrun God, you may never achieve that goal. Worse still, you might lose something very precious in the process,” Adeboye stated.

He reminded his followers that God understood their desires, often placing them in their hearts. “God knows the best times and ways for those desires to be fulfilled. Don’t think you’re smarter than the One who created your brain,” he said.

Recalling the incident, Adeboye shared how his youthful love for the military clouded his judgment.

“Years ago, I was duped by a man who promised to make me a commandant of a paramilitary group. This man had been contacting me through my secretary for a while, and one day I agreed to meet him. He told me how a Boy Scouts-like group had evolved into a new agency and that he was seeking someone to lead them spiritually.”

Adeboye admitted that he usually sought divine guidance before getting involved in any venture, but this time, he was led astray by his passion.

He agreed to take up the role without consulting God.

The man, posing as a legitimate representative, asked for funding, which Adeboye provided. However, it was later revealed that the man was a fraud.

“I lost money in that experience, but it could have been much worse. God knew my heart’s desire, and He had already planned for Redemption City to have its own corps of chaplains and a local police post. I thought I could bring my desire to pass on my own, but I was wrong,” Adeboye confessed.

He advised people to trust in God’s timing, reminding them that God delights in their prosperity.

“It’s not wrong to desire wealth or success, but let it come in God’s time. Don’t try to run ahead of Him,” Adeboye said.