The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the number of pastors, imams and other religious figures named in the commission’s financial crime files.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, themed “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria,” Olukoyede urged religious leaders to uphold integrity and ensure their conduct matches the values they preach.
“My case files are full of these titles,” he said, calling for a review of the honorifics given to religious leaders. “Maybe, if it is possible for us to remove those titles, pastor and imam. You know why? I have my case files full of these titles.”
Olukoyede said several suspects identified by religious titles have been investigated and, in some cases, convicted and jailed. He warned that religious status should not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
“So if you think you’re a Christian or you’re a pastor here, and you commit financial crime, I will be your enemy. I won’t be your friend,” he said.
The EFCC chairman urged churches and mosques to strengthen internal controls and regulatory compliance to prevent misuse of funds entrusted to religious organisations. He specifically warned against diverting tithes, offerings, zakat and other donations into private businesses, describing such actions as criminal.
Olukoyede called on religious institutions to establish mechanisms that promote transparency and accountability in financial management and to ensure leaders are judged by their conduct rather than their titles.
He said religious leaders have a critical role to play in the fight against corruption because their behaviour can influence that of their followers.
