The Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, ordered the immediate return of billions of naira traced to church projects within 24 hours. Olukoyede revealed that the funds were linked to an individual under investigation for alleged financial crimes involving transactions worth tens of billions of naira.
Speaking at the monthly Holy Ghost Service at Redemption City of God in Simawa, Ogun State, Olukoyede stated that Adeboye gave the directive immediately after the EFCC briefed him on the investigation’s findings. The event, themed “Ethical Standard and Corruption in Christian Community,” was attended by church workers and ministers at the invitation of the RCCG leader.
“The reaction on the face of Daddy was like I was almost blaming myself for taking the matter to him. Daddy was visibly angry. He called one or two pastors and said, ‘I give you 24 hours. Everything you have traced to RCCG from this particular person who has been indicted, return it within the next 24 hours,’” Olukoyede recounted.
Olukoyede confirmed that the funds were subsequently returned to the government’s coffers, praising Adeboye for his integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. He contrasted this response with the handling of a similar situation by an unnamed mega church, alleging that individuals accused of fraud had operated an investment scheme through that institution, resulting in significant financial losses for members. “That is the difference between us and the others. Daddy Adeboye took action immediately he heard about the financial issue when the others are trying to defend it, justify it,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also shared a personal account of authorizing the detention of a senior RCCG pastor for alleged financial crimes committed in his secular workplace. Olukoyede, who is himself a senior pastor in the RCCG, described the decision as necessary despite the cleric’s high standing in the church. He emphasized that the detention was related to activities in the pastor’s place of work, not his conduct within the church, and expressed regret that such criminal behavior occurs within the Christian community.
Addressing broader ethical concerns, Olukoyede warned church leaders against promoting materialism and giving undue recognition to individuals suspected of financial crimes. He identified the love of money and unhealthy competition for church positions as major drivers of corruption, citing 1 Timothy 6:9-10. He further condemned the practice of offering or receiving money for ordination and promotion, labeling it as bribery and criminal abuse of office for which both parties are liable.
In a final challenge to the public, Olukoyede dared anyone who had offered him a bribe that he accepted to come forward, noting that he has served in the anti-graft agency for 10 years, rising from Chief of Staff to Chairman. He urged Christians to hold themselves to the same ethical standards they demand of public officials, warning that corruption within religious institutions undermines the credibility of the church.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
