“Going by the Agbala Gabriel controversy, the future of crowdfunding in Nigeria will depend, not just on technology but on ethics, transparency, and responsibility.”
Pastor Ademola Amusan, founder of Agbala Gabriel Ministry, rose to prominence on social media through his platform, Agbala Gabriel Global. Using live broadcasts, he appealed to Nigerians at home and abroad to donate money to assist vulnerable individuals, particularly widows and some ageing Nollywood actors reportedly living in poor conditions.
In the beginning, many Nigerians applauded the initiative. Donations flowed in, and several beneficiaries appeared to receive much-needed assistance. The process seemed transparent, and public goodwill drove the effort.
Crowdfunding, when done properly, can be a powerful tool for helping those who genuinely cannot help themselves. But, recent controversies surrounding Pastor Amusan’s latest fundraising efforts have triggered intense criticism.
Allegations have emerged suggesting that some beneficiaries were subjected to extortion, exploitation, and emotional blackmail. One recent beneficiary has publicly spoken out, and since then, others who previously benefited from the platform have begun to allege similar patterns.
Pastor Amusan of Agbala Gabriel Ministry has denied the allegations and offered his own explanations online, but the controversy has sparked a wider conversation about accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s growing crowdfunding culture.
Crowdfunding in Nigeria has evolved from informal community support within families, religious groups, and cooperatives into a digital phenomenon powered by social media. Today, individuals raise money online for medical emergencies, humanitarian causes, community projects, and personal crises.
There is no doubt that crowdfunding has real advantages.
It removes traditional barriers to accessing funds, allows communities to respond quickly to emergencies, and gives ordinary people an opportunity to support meaningful causes.
At its best, crowdfunding reflects collective empathy and shared responsibility.
However, difficult questions must also be asked.
When does crowdfunding cross the line?
Sometimes, campaigns rely on exaggerated stories, graphic imagery, or selective storytelling designed to provoke emotional reactions rather than provide balanced information. In extreme cases, some campaigns are even fabricated.
Another challenge arises after the funds are raised. Donors often have little oversight over how the money is spent. Without transparency, the process can easily lead to diversion of funds or exploitation of the very people whose stories were used to raise the money.
There are also legal implications. Where money is raised through false representation or misappropriated, it may amount to fraud or criminal liability.
Beyond the legal issues, there are ethical questions donors and organisers must consider:
• Is the story being told truthful and complete?
• Was proper consent obtained from those featured in the campaign?
• Are donors receiving transparent updates about how the funds are used?
• Is crowdfunding a temporary solution or a substitute for responsibility?
Crowdfunding itself is not the problem. The problem arises when compassion is turned into a commodity.
Going forward, stronger accountability mechanisms are necessary. Platforms must improve verification processes, organizers must provide clear updates and financial transparency, and donors must exercise due diligence before contributing.
Crowdfunding is neither inherently noble nor inherently exploitative. It is simply a tool.
When used responsibly, it can change lives.
The future of crowdfunding in Nigeria will depend not just on technology but on ethics, transparency, and responsibility.
