EFCC Warns Religious Leaders Against Diverting Tithes, Offerings and Zakat to Private Businesses

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned religious leaders that diverting tithes, offerings, zakat and other faith-based funds into private businesses is a criminal offence. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede gave the warning at the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council meeting in Abuja. He urged churches and mosques to establish compliance measures that protect money entrusted to religious institutions. Olukoyede said leaders may have legitimate private businesses, but they must not mix personal funds with money belonging to their worship centres. He also criticised religious institutions for celebrating wealth that cannot be explained by a public official's legitimate earnings. He said faith communities have a major role in promoting honesty and preventing corruption among their followers.

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