The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the high number of individuals bearing religious titles who are being investigated and prosecuted for financial crimes. He made this statement at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held in Abuja. The meeting had the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria”. Olukoyede's concern was triggered by the numerous cases involving persons described as pastors, imams, and other religious leaders in the EFCC's case files.
According to Olukoyede, some of these religious leaders have already been convicted and are serving jail terms for financial crimes. He questioned the continued use of religious titles as a shield or source of identity when individuals are accused of criminal conduct. The EFCC chairman advocated for a review of the titles given to men of God, suggesting that if possible, these titles should be removed from their identities. He cited instances of “pastor so-so-so” and “imam so-so-so” being indicted for financial crimes, adding that some had subsequently been convicted and imprisoned.
Olukoyede suggested that religious leaders should be judged by their conduct rather than the titles they carry. He emphasized that genuine men of God should be identified by their actions and commitment to doing what is right. The EFCC chairman illustrated his point with an encounter involving a suspect who was brought to the commission for investigation. The suspect introduced himself using several religious titles, to which Olukoyede responded by asking if he had misappropriated money.
The suspect, according to Olukoyede, had allegedly misappropriated funds and was subsequently facing five charges. The EFCC chairman warned religious leaders that their positions would not protect them from investigation or prosecution if they became involved in financial crimes. He stressed that if a religious leader commits a financial crime, he would be their enemy, not their friend.
Olukoyede called on religious leaders to demonstrate the values they preach by maintaining integrity and accountability. He emphasized that religious status should not be used to evade the law. The EFCC chairman's statement highlights the need for religious leaders to be held accountable for their actions and for the public to be aware of the risks of using religious titles to shield themselves from accountability.
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting provided a platform for Olukoyede to express his concerns and advocate for a change in the way religious titles are used. The council brings together various religious leaders to promote dialogue and understanding between different faiths. Olukoyede's speech was a call to action for religious leaders to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in promoting integrity and accountability.
The EFCC has been working to combat financial crimes in Nigeria, and Olukoyede's statement is a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or title. The commission's efforts to hold individuals accountable for financial crimes, including those with religious titles, are ongoing.
Key points
- EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, expresses concern over high number of pastors, imams, and other religious leaders investigated and prosecuted for financial crimes.
- Olukoyede advocates for a review of titles given to men of God, suggesting that these titles should not be used as a shield or source of identity when individuals are accused of criminal conduct.
- The EFCC chairman warns religious leaders that their positions will not protect them from investigation or prosecution if they become involved in financial crimes.
