EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, says General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has ordered the refund of billions of naira donated to a church project after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission discovered that the money was proceeds of financial crime.
Olukoyede narrated the incident, saying a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project before investigations established that the funds were linked to financial crime.
He commended Adeboye for directing the church to return the money shortly after it was alerted to the findings.
Although the EFCC chairman did not disclose the donor’s identity, the specific church project or the exact amount involved.
Olukoyede, an ordained pastor, expressed concern over cases involving religious leaders implicated in financial crimes and allegations of irregularities surrounding contracts for church projects.
He warned church workers against accepting suspicious donations or pursuing funds through questionable means.
The EFCC boss also recalled a separate case involving a church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme.
He said its leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but later refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.
He stressed that the commission would not spare anyone involved in financial crimes, regardless of their religious position or affiliation.
Olukoyede further cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, warning that such practices could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct.
He also raised concerns about reports of individuals allegedly offering bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.
The EFCC chairman urged pastors to verify the sources of donations before accepting them, stressing that contributions towards church projects must not be proceeds of criminal activities.
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