The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ordered the refund of billions of naira donated to a church project after the funds were traced to proceeds of crime. This was revealed during a meeting organised by the RCCG ahead of its annual Holy Ghost Congress. Olukoyede commended Adeboye for directing the immediate return of the money within 24 hours after the church was alerted to its illicit source.
According to Olukoyede, a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but investigations later revealed that the money was proceeds of financial crime. The EFCC chairman did not disclose the identity of the donor, the specific RCCG project or the exact amount involved. He expressed concern over the increasing number of cases involving church leaders implicated in financial crimes, as well as allegations relating to contracts for church projects.
Olukoyede warned church workers against accepting suspicious donations and pursuing money through questionable means. He recalled a separate case involving another church allegedly implicated in a Ponzi scheme, saying its leader initially resisted the commission's intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action. The EFCC chairman emphasised that the commission would not spare anyone involved in financial crimes, regardless of their religious position or affiliation.
Olukoyede also cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, saying such tendencies could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct. He raised concerns about reports of individuals allegedly bribing their way into leadership positions within the RCCG. The EFCC chairman urged pastors to investigate the sources of donations before accepting them, stressing the need to ensure that contributions to church projects were not proceeds of criminal activities.
Responding, Adeboye said the RCCG would not protect anyone found to be involved in financial wrongdoing. He urged pastors in the church to maintain clean financial records and ensure that their activities were free from corruption. Adeboye's remarks align with the EFCC's efforts to combat financial crimes and promote transparency in the country's religious sector.
The EFCC's engagement with the RCCG is part of a broader effort to address financial crimes in Nigeria. Olukoyede's address to RCCG workers highlights the commission's commitment to collaborating with religious institutions to prevent financial misconduct. The EFCC has been actively working to curb corruption and ensure accountability in various sectors, including the religious sector.
The incident involving the RCCG project serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in financial transactions, particularly in the religious sector. The EFCC's efforts to promote financial propriety and prevent financial crimes are crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in Nigeria's institutions. Key points include the refund of illicit donations, the EFCC's warning to church workers, and the RCCG's commitment to maintaining clean financial records.
Key points
- The EFCC is working with religious institutions to prevent financial misconduct.
- Pastor Adeboye directed the refund of billions in illicit donations to an RCCG project.
- The EFCC is committed to combating financial crimes in Nigeria's religious sector.
