In a bizarre turn of events that has stunned many Nigerians, a controversial pastor based in Delta State is under investigation after reportedly charging members of his church ₦310,000 each for what he called a “divine one-way flight to heaven.”

The self-proclaimed “Prophet Elijah of the Highest Realm,” whose real name is yet to be confirmed by authorities, allegedly convinced dozens of followers that he had received a heavenly directive to organize a spiritual evacuation before the “end of days,” which he claimed was fast approaching.

According to eyewitnesses, the pastor made the announcement during a highly charged Sunday service, where he told worshippers that God had revealed to him the coordinates of a “holy portal” that would open briefly to transport believers directly to heaven but only those who had paid the spiritual travel fare of ₦310,000.

Many members reportedly sold personal belongings, borrowed money or cleared out savings to secure their so-called heavenly tickets. Flyers were circulated bearing the phrase, “Boarding Heaven: No Passport Needed, Just Faith and ₦310K.”

One distraught church member, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “He told us the rapture would start with us because we were the chosen. I sold my generator and my mother’s sewing machine. We were told to gather at midnight in white garments with fasting and prayer.”

However, when the promised “heavenly flight” failed to occur, a few skeptical attendees alerted local authorities. Upon investigation, the police found no trace of any spiritual preparations, only a collection of bank receipts, white robes and bottles of anointing oil labeled “Aviation Fuel of the Spirit.”

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that the pastor is currently being questioned and investigations are ongoing to determine whether fraud charges will be filed.

Meanwhile, religious leaders and civil society groups across the country have expressed concern over the increasing cases of spiritual manipulation by self-styled pastors, urging the public to remain vigilant and seek knowledge alongside faith.

As of press time, several church members have reportedly demanded refunds, while others still insist their flight was simply “delayed by divine logistics.”