The Charity Commission has appointed an interim manager to the charity Christ Embassy, which it is currently investigating for financial mismanagement.

Using its powers under the Charities Act, the Charity Commission has appointed Rod Weston, a specialist business recovery partner at Mazars, as interim manager of Christ Embassy. Weston took over the management of the charity yesterday, to the exclusion of its trustees as a “temporary and protective measure”.

A statutory inquiry into the charity was launched in July 2013 into its financial management, particularly over concerns relating to large party connected payments. 

According to its accounts, in 2011 two of Christ Embassy's trustees – Reverend Anita Oyakhilome (who is married to fellow trustee and face of the organisation Reverend Christopher Oyakhilome) and Pastor Nkem Odiakah were paid £38,877 and £30,257 respectively, for their roles as pastors.

The charity also paid Loveworld Ltd to transmit television broadcasts. One of the charity’s trustees, Pastor Obi Chiemeka, is a director and sole shareholder of Loveworld Ltd. A grant of £665,360 was made to Loveworld Television Ministry in that year.

The trustees have been informed of the appintment of an interim manager and Weston will be in contact with the charity’s beneficiaries. The religious activities of the charity are not affected and Weston will work with the pastors to ensure this remains the case.

Weston will take over the charity’s management, including its staff, assets, interests, and relations with third parties. He will be responsible for taking any steps necessary to secure and take control of the assets of the charity.

A books and records inspection has since been carried out and the Charity Commission both met and obtained information from the charity’s trustees. The Commission’s concerns about the financial management of the charity have not yet been resolved.

The charity has not responded to an invitation to comment.