The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, has called on Christian and Muslim leaders to restore integrity to their faiths following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) revelation that some clerics are involved in corruption cases. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that pastors, imams, and other religious figures are among individuals investigated, prosecuted, and convicted for financial crimes in Nigeria.
Hayab expressed disappointment that people expected to serve as moral examples are being associated with alleged wrongdoing. He agreed with Olukoyede's statement, saying it serves as a wake-up call to churches, mosques, and other religious organisations. A Kaduna-based man allegedly claimed to be an evangelist and solicited financial support from churches and individuals while falsely presenting himself as a convert from Islam.
The suspect allegedly travelled to different states, invoked the names of prominent personalities, and received substantial financial contributions from people who believed his claims. According to Hayab, the alleged fraud was uncovered after a victim reported the matter to the EFCC, which examined the suspect's financial records and discovered substantial transfers from individuals. One person allegedly contributed more than N100 million, believing the money was being used to support Christian evangelism.
Hayab warned that religious identities must not become shields for fraudulent activities, stressing that both Christian and Muslim leaders have a responsibility to protect the integrity of their faiths. He expressed concern over alleged diversion of funds associated with Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, saying the use of questionable funds for religious purposes undermines the spiritual essence of pilgrimage.
Hayab agreed with the position attributed to the Sultan of Sokoto that corrupt money should not be used to fund pilgrimage. He urged religious leaders holding public appointments to demonstrate integrity and resist the temptation to use public resources to finance extravagant lifestyles. Former JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, was cited as an example of the kind of public service Hayab said religious communities should celebrate.
Hayab further urged religious leaders to examine whether they possess the moral authority to condemn corruption when members of their institutions are involved in it. He said religious organisations must take greater responsibility for those they train, ordain, and commission as pastors and imams. The onus is now on religious organisations to ask questions about who they are training and commissioning.
Hayab also cautioned religious leaders against making politically uninformed statements, particularly on constitutional issues, saying they should understand the law before commenting on matters of governance and elections. He urged pastors, imams, and religious organisations to protect the reputation of their faiths by ensuring that those entrusted with religious leadership uphold integrity.
Key points
- Rev. Joseph Hayab challenges Christian and Muslim leaders to restore integrity to their faiths amid EFCC's investigation into clerics' involvement in corruption cases.
- EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reveals that pastors, imams, and other religious figures are among individuals investigated, prosecuted, and convicted for financial crimes in Nigeria.
- Hayab urges religious leaders to take greater responsibility for those they train, ordain, and commission as pastors and imams to prevent corrupt practices.
