The 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 immediate refund of billions of naira traced to proceeds of financial crime.
Olukoyede disclosed that an individual under investigation for alleged financial crimes had donated billions of naira towards RCCG projects before the commission discovered that some of the funds were linked to illicit financial transactions.
According to the EFCC chairman, after he personally informed Adeboye about the discovery, the cleric immediately directed church officials to return the money within 24 hours.
Olukoyede reportedly said Adeboye instructed the church to return every amount traced to the individual, stressing that the church would not serve as a custodian of proceeds of crime.
The EFCC chairman commended the cleric’s response, describing it as an example of integrity and zero tolerance for financial misconduct.
EFCC Raises Alarm Over Financial Crimes in Churches
Beyond the RCCG incident, Olukoyede warned religious organisations against accepting suspicious donations and allowing their institutions to become channels for concealing proceeds of crime.
He also disclosed a separate case involving another church allegedly linked to a Ponzi investment scheme, where its leadership initially resisted the commission’s intervention but later refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.
The EFCC boss further cautioned church leaders against materialism, unhealthy competition, questionable fundraising practices and financial misconduct.
Responding, Pastor Adeboye reportedly maintained that RCCG would not protect anyone found involved in financial wrongdoing and urged pastors to maintain transparent financial records.
What Remains Unknown
The EFCC chairman did not publicly disclose the donor’s identity, the exact amount involved or the specific RCCG project that received the funds.