The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, directed the church to return billions of naira traced to some of its projects within 24 hours.
Olukoyede disclosed this while speaking to church workers and ministers after the monthly Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City of God in Simawa, Ogun State.
According to the EFCC chairman, the funds were linked to an individual being investigated by the commission over alleged financial crimes involving transactions worth tens of billions of naira.
He said he personally met Adeboye to explain the commission’s findings after some of the proceeds were traced to RCCG projects.
Olukoyede said the cleric became visibly angry and immediately instructed church officials to return the money.
He quoted Adeboye as directing the pastors involved to ensure that all funds traced to the church from the individual were returned to government coffers within 24 hours.
The EFCC chairman commended Adeboye for his response, describing it as an example of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also recalled an incident in which he authorised the detention of a senior RCCG pastor over alleged financial crimes connected to the pastor’s secular workplace.
Olukoyede said the decision was necessary despite the cleric’s position in the church, stressing that nobody should be above the law.
He urged Christian leaders to discourage the promotion of materialism and questionable sources of wealth in religious institutions.
According to him, churches should welcome everyone but must not give undue recognition to individuals suspected of involvement in financial crimes.
He also warned against the practice of offering or receiving money in exchange for church positions, describing it as bribery and criminal abuse of office.
Olukoyede called on Christians to uphold ethical standards and ensure that their conduct reflects the values they expect from public officials.
He said corruption within religious institutions undermines the credibility of the church and urged members to protect the reputation of the Christian faith through integrity and accountability.
