Theobarth Global Foundation has long promoted a “foreign grant” scheme in Nigeria. The investigation of the government has linked the scheme to fraud accusations. In February 2024, the EFCC took the case of Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi in connection with claims of fraudulent Ford Foundation grants. There is no evidence that real beneficiaries have gotten real funds. Nigerians should remain cautious and refrain from paying any fees for registration, cluster, and processing to obtain grants.
About Theobarth Grant
Many Nigerians are keen to avail loans to fund their personal or small-scale business projects. One of the most talked about programs is the Theobarth grant that is frequently advertised on the web as a life-changing offer. Videos and posts promise massive cash payouts and rapid disbursement and claim sponsorship from foreign countries. However, numerous reliable sources and reports from law enforcement have confirmed that the claims are not real.
In 2024 In 2024, the EFCC was able to arrest Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the man who claimed to be representing Theobarth Global Foundation, for being accused of defrauding Nigerians with a fraudulent Ford Foundation grant. The reports indicate that more than N1.3 billion was collected from uninformed participants. According to reports, the Ford Foundation also publicly denied any connection to him or his organization.
This article gives a complete outline of the scheme’s history as well as warning indicators and more secure alternatives to those truly in need of financial assistance.
Quick Facts
- Promoter: Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi
- Organization: Faith on the Rock Ministry International / Theobarth Global Foundation
- The Main Claim International award to enable Nigerians and MSMEs
- Reported Techniques: Cluster registrations, purchase of forms, and “processing” fees
- The official status: Arrested and charged by the EFCC for alleged fraudulent Ford Foundation grants
- Ford Foundation Response: There is no evidence of a connection with the grant or its promoters.
- ICPC Warning (2021): Declared no affiliation with the scheme and urged the public to be cautious
Is the Theobarth Grant Legit?
Multiple investigations suggest Theobarth Grant is not legitimate.
- EFCC Arrest Announcing the arrest of the advertiser at the beginning of 2024 came after reports of massive fraud that involved N1.3 billion.
- False Foundation claims: The Ford Foundation confirmed that there was not a partnership or grant to Ebonyi and his foundation.
- Recovery of Assets: The EFCC tracked various items purportedly purchased with funds collected from the victims.
- Public Warnings: Both the EFCC and ICPC issued statements that urged Nigerians to stay clear of scams like this.
These incidents clearly demonstrate that the Theobarth Grant has no legal or financial backing. Instead, it employed the persuasive power of advertising and theological undertones in order to gain the trust of its supporters.
How the Scheme Worked
The Theobarth Grant attracted attention through social media, specifically through Facebook as well as WhatsApp. In messages, the grant promised massive payouts and encouraged users to sign up for “clusters” to secure their posts.
The key strategies employed included:
- High Payout Promised: Participants were promised that they would be paid millions of naira upon confirmation.
- Group Membership: Users were encouraged to form groups, usually paying modest “registration” fees.
- Religion-based Endorsements Certain promotions make reference to faith-based beliefs to encourage trust.
- Disbursement Delays Deadlines were continually delayed, and members were kept hopeful.
Despite many years of such assurances, there is no evidence of a verified beneficiary receiving money.
Red Flags to Identify a Fake Grant
If you find some “grant” promotion in Nigeria, use this checklist prior to applying:
- Costs for Upfront Payments: True grants do not require registration or processing charges.
- No Official Website: Always confirm if the program is listed on an official or government-recognized platform.
- frequent name changes: Fraudulent schemes often alter their name to stay out of the spotlight.
- The Social Media Hype: Relying solely on WhatsApp and Facebook messages can be risky.
- Unrealistic promises: Any grant offering millions of dollars without a clearly defined selection procedure should cause suspicion.
- No Independent Verification True programs are typically reported by reliable media and agencies of the government.
What the Authorities Have Said
The Nigerian anti-corruption agencies, as well as reliable news outlets, have issued a warning about this Theobarth Grant:
- the EFCC The EFCC confirmed that the case was brought to trial of Theophilus Ebonyi and made public evidence of fraud connected to fraudulent foreign grants.
- ICPC: Publicly stated that it did not have any connection to the foundation and advised people to investigate the financial aid programs of all organizations.
- Media Reports: National newspapers covered the Ford Foundation’s official denial of any collaboration with the Ebonyi group.
The inconsistency across different institutions is a sign that this grant was not legitimate.
If You Already Paid or Submitted Forms
If you’ve paid money towards the Theobarth Grant “cluster” or “registration,” here’s what to do:
- Gather Evidence: Save receipts and alerts for bank transactions, as well as any other messages relating to the transaction.
- Filing a Complaint: Report the incident to the EFCC or the ICPC with all evidence to support it.
- Contact your bank: Request your bank track or flag transactions that are suspicious.
- Avoid paying more: Be wary of people who claim to “recover” your money for an additional fee.
- Alert: Let others know about your circle to prevent falling into the trap of being a.
Safer and Verified Grant Alternatives
Instead of putting your money at risk by committing fraud, look into these legitimate possibilities:
1.Bank of Industry (BOI)
BOI offers a verified business loan for entrepreneurs as well as MSMEs. Applications are subject to an objective evaluation process.
2.Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
SMEDAN provides entrepreneurship training, including training, partnerships, and partnerships with banks and financial institutions.
3.CBN-Supported Programs
The Central Bank of Nigeria occasionally provides funds to programs such as those of the AGSMEIS and the Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) for businesses with a verified owner.
4.State Government Schemes
Numerous state governments have authentic empowerment programs for children and women through their government ministries.
5. International Foundations
Organizations such as The Tony Elumelu Foundation and Google for Startups offer genuine, open, and transparent opportunities for African entrepreneurs.
How to Verify Any Grant
Follow these steps to determine the authenticity of a grant:
- Search the official website: Look for the program on a trusted website that ends in .gov.ng as well as the domain that is official to an established company.
- Search to see if there are press releases: True grants will typically be announced via the official channels of media.
- Search for Legal Documentation Real organizations publish their eligibility criteria, guidelines, and timelines openly.
- Get in touch with the organization. Contact the organization directly. Contact the organization directly using phone numbers or email addresses listed on official websites.
- Beware of upfront fees: Any grant that requires payment in order to “activate” or “process” your account is suspicious.
- Request trusted sources: Verify with government offices or professional associations prior to taking action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Theobarth Grant real?
No. The EFCC confirmed that the grant was part of a fake scheme, and the promoter was arrested in 2024.
2. Did the Ford Foundation fund the program?
No. The Ford Foundation has publicly denied any involvement.
3. Has anyone received money from the Theobarth Grant?
There is no credible evidence of legitimate disbursement to any verified beneficiaries.
4. Why do people still believe it?
The scheme used social media and religious messages to gain trust, making it easy to manipulate vulnerable people.
5. Can I get my money back?
If you made payments, report to the EFCC or your bank immediately with all supporting proof.
6. What are legitimate grants available in Nigeria?
Programs such as BOI, SMEDAN, and CBN-backed initiatives are authentic and verifiable.
7. Why do scams like this keep spreading?
Economic hardship and lack of awareness make people more vulnerable to quick-money schemes.
8. How do I verify a grant’s authenticity?
Always check official websites, look for press releases, and avoid social media-only promotions.
9. What if I see new dates or cluster calls?
Treat any “new disbursement updates” as false until confirmed by official bodies.
10. Where can I report a suspected fake grant?
Report to the EFCC, ICPC, or your local law enforcement agency.
What Nigerians Can Learn from Theobarth Grant
Theobarth Grant is an important warning that financial knowledge and proof of identity are vital. Scammers prosper when individuals are in desperate need of opportunities. Always ask questions, conduct research, and verify prior to sending funds or personal information online.
By sharing information that is accurate and assisting with genuine empowerment programs, Nigerians can stop similar scams from impacting other people.
Conclusion
The Theobarth Grant has repeatedly appeared on the internet as a promise of huge foreign aid for Nigerians. However, confirmed information and official actions indicate it was a fraudulent scam without actual backing. The arrest of the promoter and the public warnings by authorities make it clear that consumers should stay away from such offers.
If you are looking for financing for educational or business purposes, ensure you choose reliable institutions that have transparent procedures. Keep in mind that genuine grants do not need you to pay first. Be informed, share your knowledge, and help others save money.