The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed how the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the immediate refund of billions of naira donated to an RCCG project after the money was traced to proceeds of crime.
Olukoyede disclosed this in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, while addressing RCCG workers ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.
Adeboye had invited the EFCC boss to speak to the workers on financial propriety and the need for churches to keep transparent financial records, according to Church Times Nigeria.
Recounting the incident, Olukoyede said a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but EFCC investigation later revealed that the money was proceeds of financial crime.
He said immediately the church was alerted, Adeboye directed that the money be returned within 24 hours.
Olukoyede commended Adeboye for the swift action.
He did not disclose the identity of the donor, the specific RCCG project involved, or the exact amount refunded.
The EFCC chairman, who is also an ordained pastor, expressed concern over the rising number of cases involving church leaders implicated in financial crimes, including allegations around contracts for church projects.
He warned church workers against accepting suspicious donations and pursuing money through questionable means.
Olukoyede also recalled a separate case involving another church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme. He said the leader initially resisted EFCC intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the commission threatened legal action.
Names and details of that church were also withheld.
He warned that the commission would not spare anyone involved in financial crimes, regardless of religious position or affiliation.
Olukoyede also cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, saying such tendencies could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct.
He further raised concerns over reports of individuals allegedly bribing their way into leadership positions within the RCCG.
He urged pastors to investigate the source of donations before accepting them, stressing that contributions to church projects must not be proceeds of criminal activities.
Responding, Adeboye said the RCCG would not protect anyone found to be involved in financial wrongdoing.
He urged pastors in the church to maintain clean financial records and ensure their activities were free from corruption.
