EFCC Chairman: Religious Titles Must Not Shield Pastors or Imams From Financial Crime Cases

1 / 5

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede says pastors, imams and other religious leaders should not be protected from scrutiny when they are accused or convicted of financial crimes. Speaking at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, he said some religious figures in EFCC case files have been jailed but still retain their titles in prison. Olukoyede urged churches and mosques to question unusually large donations and avoid celebrating wealth whose source is unclear. He cited a hypothetical ₦550 million donation, warning that accepting suspected proceeds of crime without questions could amount to endorsing it. He also called for stronger financial controls to separate religious funds, including tithes, offerings and zakat, from private business money. The EFCC chairman said faith communities can help discourage a culture that admires wealth without asking how it was acquired.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.