The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed how the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the refund of billions of naira in illicit donations.
Speaking on Saturday at a public event on corruption and the church, Olukoyede said some wealthy individuals and politicians had been using churches to conceal proceeds of crime.
The EFCC Chairman disclosed that the Commission traced billions of naira donated by a church member towards an RCCG project to alleged illegal activities.
He explained that after investigations revealed that the funds were allegedly proceeds of illicit activities, the anti-graft agency wrote to Pastor Adeboye, informing him of its findings.
According to Olukoyede, Adeboye neither disputed the findings nor attempted to protect the unnamed donor. Instead, he summoned church officials and instructed them to return the money.
“Return the money,” Adeboye reportedly told them, according to the EFCC Chairman.
Olukoyede further disclosed that Adeboye directed the church to refund the money to the EFCC, insisting that the church could not retain proceeds of crime.
“He said, if the money is not clean, the church will not keep it. He said, return it. Let the government do what it wants with it,” Olukoyede quoted Adeboye as saying.
He said the church complied with the directive and returned the funds, which amounted to several billions of naira.
Speaking further, Olukoyede expressed concern over reports of financial misconduct involving some religious leaders, including questionable transactions and irregularities in contracts for church projects.
He warned pastors and church workers against accepting donations without making reasonable efforts to establish the sources of such funds.
The EFCC Chairman, who is also an ordained pastor, said religious institutions must be careful not to become channels for concealing proceeds of illegal activities or legitimising illicit funds.
He also cited another case involving a church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme.
According to him, the church leader initially opposed the Commission’s intervention but later returned a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.
Olukoyede warned that the Commission would investigate and prosecute anyone found involved in financial crimes, regardless of their religious affiliation or position.
He also cautioned church leaders against materialism, unhealthy competition and struggles for leadership positions, which he said could encourage corruption within religious institutions.
The EFCC Chairman further expressed concern over allegations that some individuals were offering money to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.
He urged pastors and other church officials to carefully scrutinise donations, particularly substantial financial contributions, to avoid accepting funds linked to illegal activities.
Responding to the remarks, Adeboye reaffirmed the church’s opposition to corruption, declaring that the RCCG would not protect anyone found responsible for financial wrongdoing.
He also urged pastors and church workers to maintain accurate financial records and discharge their responsibilities with honesty, integrity and accountability.
