A caller on a radio program in Aba recently shared a troubling experience after mistakenly paying ₦100,000 as tithe instead of ₦10,000. According to him, the excess ₦90,000 was never meant for the church, and he immediately requested a refund.

When he approached one of the pastors, he was told, “It may be God’s will.” Despite explaining that the extra money had a rightful owner and pleading for its return, the church leadership refused. The matter was reportedly taken to the General Overseer, but the feedback was shocking—the church insisted the money now “belonged to God” because it had already entered the church’s account.

The caller said he was left speechless, questioning how a genuine mistake could be turned into a rigid doctrine. The situation raises serious concerns about accountability in places of worship. Should fairness and compassion not guide decisions in matters like this? Is it truly “God’s will” to keep what does not rightfully belong to the giver, or is this an abuse of authority disguised as spirituality?

This story highlights the thin line between faith and exploitation. Religious leaders are entrusted with people’s resources, and when errors happen, empathy and transparency should take the lead. Anything less risks turning sacred trust into manipulation.