The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the refund of a donation worth billions of naira after the commission traced the funds to alleged proceeds of crime.
Olukoyede disclosed this while addressing RCCG workers in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, during a meeting ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.
According to a report by Church Times Nigeria, Adeboye had invited the EFCC chairman to speak to church workers about financial transparency, accountability and proper record-keeping within religious institutions.
Recounting the incident, Olukoyede said an individual had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but subsequent investigations by the anti-graft agency allegedly established that the money originated from criminal activities.
He explained that after the commission communicated its findings to the church, Adeboye directed that the donation be returned.
The EFCC chairman reportedly praised the cleric for ordering the refund within 24 hours of receiving the information.
However, Olukoyede did not disclose the donor’s identity, the exact amount involved or the particular project for which the money was contributed.
He warned religious organisations against accepting suspicious donations, stressing that churches and other institutions must not become channels through which proceeds of crime are concealed or legitimised.
The EFCC chairman also recounted another case involving a church allegedly connected to a Ponzi scheme.
According to him, the church leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the agency threatened legal action.
Olukoyede further cautioned RCCG workers against materialism, unhealthy competition and attempts to influence leadership appointments through bribery.
He emphasised that religious institutions should uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in managing donations and other financial contributions.
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