Ghanaian Kojo Nana Obiri-Yeboah, a preacher in Uganda, is under investigation for intending to scam his congregation into believing he has magic powers by shocking them with a commercially-available magic trick called the "Electric Touch." The pastor denies the, er, charge, claiming that he ordered the trick as a birthday gift for his daughter. From the BBC News:
There has been a massive growth in churches set up by charismatic preachers in Africa in recent years, amid fears some could be fraudsters.The pastor told the BBC that during his prayers, members of the congregation "act as the spirit comes in them".
The website of the company Yigal Mesika, which makes the "Electric Touch" machine, among other magic tricks, says: "Charge a spoon, keys or coins and watch as it shocks a volunteer!
"They will believe you have supernatural powers!"
Link (via Fortean Times)
