The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that pastors, imams, and other religious figures are among those investigated, prosecuted, and convicted for financial crimes in Nigeria. This revelation was made on Wednesday at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja. Olukoyede's statement highlights the prevalence of financial crimes among religious leaders in the country.
According to Olukoyede, the EFCC's case files contain numerous suspects identified by religious titles, adding that some have already been convicted and are serving prison sentences. He expressed concern that some convicted persons continue to be addressed by their religious titles even while serving jail terms. The EFCC chairman called for a review of the use of religious titles, arguing that such titles should not influence how individuals accused of financial crimes are treated.
Olukoyede advocated for the removal of religious titles from individuals accused of financial crimes, stating that he has case files full of such titles. He emphasized that religious identity should be judged by conduct rather than titles or appearance, stressing that religious status would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution. The EFCC chairman cited an encounter with a suspect who introduced himself using several religious titles when brought to the commission for investigation.
The suspect, who claimed to be a reverend, doctor, and bishop, was told by Olukoyede that the commission would focus on the allegation against him rather than his titles. Olukoyede warned that religious affiliation would not determine the commission's treatment of financial crimes, declaring that he would be an enemy to anyone who commits financial crimes, regardless of their religious status.
Olukoyede challenged religious leaders and their followers to examine whether Nigeria's strong religious identity is reflected in public and economic conduct. He noted that despite being a deeply religious people, with full churches and mosques, the country still struggles with corruption. The EFCC chairman emphasized that churches and mosques have an important role in preventing corruption by shaping the conduct of their members.
Olukoyede criticized religious institutions for celebrating unexplained wealth, warning against accepting large donations without questioning their sources. He cited an example of a public servant who built a mosque worth more than his earnings in the next 500 years, saying that dedicating such a structure perpetuates the process of crime. The EFCC chairman stressed that financial crime cuts across religious and ethnic lines.
Olukoyede urged faith communities to use their influence to promote integrity and discourage the celebration of wealth whose source cannot be explained. He emphasized that the fight against financial crime should not begin only after money has been stolen, but rather through the promotion of good conduct and accountability. The EFCC chairman's statement has sparked a renewed call for religious leaders to take a stronger stand against corruption in Nigeria.
Key points
- EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reveals pastors, imams, and other religious figures are among those investigated, prosecuted, and convicted for financial crimes in Nigeria.
- Olukoyede calls for a review of the use of religious titles, arguing that such titles should not influence how individuals accused of financial crimes are treated.
- The EFCC chairman urges faith communities to promote integrity and discourage the celebration of unexplained wealth.
