The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the involvement of some religious leaders in financial crimes.
Olukoyede spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 second council meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, where the EFCC also launched an anti-corruption interfaith manual for religious leaders.
The EFCC chairman said the commission’s case files contained numerous suspects identified as pastors, imams, bishops, and sheikhs, with some already convicted and serving prison sentences.
He questioned whether religious titles should continue to be used for individuals convicted of financial crimes, saying such titles should not shield anyone from accountability.
Olukoyede stressed that religious identity would not prevent the EFCC from investigating or prosecuting anyone suspected of financial crimes.
“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.
He also urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote integrity and discourage corruption among their followers.
According to Olukoyede, financial crime has no religious or ethnic identity, and both Christians and Muslims suffer when public resources are stolen or misappropriated.
He criticized religious institutions that celebrate unexplained wealth, warning that honoring individuals whose wealth has no clear source could indirectly legitimize corruption.
The EFCC chairman said faith communities had a role to play in preventing financial crimes, noting that while the commission investigates and prosecutes offenders, religious institutions can help shape character and promote honesty.
“The EFCC can investigate conduct. Faith communities can influence character and cultivate honesty to prevent crime,” he said.
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