The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed how a huge sum of money running into billions of naira—proceeds of financial crime—was traced to a project of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) while also commending the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for ordering the immediate refund of the money.
He made the disclosure at a meeting with workers of the church in the early hours of Saturday November 7.
The meeting was organized by the church ahead of its annual Holy Ghost Congress to sensitize members about the event.
Pastor Adeboye used the occasion to invite the EFCC boss to speak to the church workers on financial propriety and the need for the church to keep its financial records clean.
In his address, which lasted about 30 minutes, Olukoyede stated that too many cases involving church leaders implicated in financial crimes are brought to the attention of the commission. He added that issues connected with contracts for church projects are also frequently reported.
As an ordained pastor himself, he lamented that he always feels embarrassed by these cases and deemed it necessary to address the RCCG workers directly, warning them against an illicit drive for funds and receiving money from individuals of dubious character.
During his address, he recalled a specific case where a church member donated billions of naira toward an RCCG project. It was later discovered that the donated funds were proceeds of crime. When the church was alerted, Pastor Adeboye ordered that the money be refunded in less than 24 hours. Olukoyede commended Pastor Adeboye for taking swift action.
He noted, however, another case involving a different church implicated in a Ponzi scheme. When that case was brought to the commission, the church leader was grandstanding. Only when he realized the commission was prepared to file legal charges did he refund the substantial sum held by his church.
The EFCC boss warned that the commission will come down hard on anyone involved in financial crime, urging members to desist from unbridled materialism, rat races, and leadership tussles.
He noted reports of individuals bribing their way into positions within the RCCG, engaging in unhealthy competition, and fighting for power—tendencies that ultimately lead to financial crime.
He admonished pastors to stop accepting donations without first ascertaining how the donors earn their living.
In his response, Pastor Adeboye affirmed that the church will not shield anyone found in a financially compromising position.
He urged all pastors of the church to ensure their financial records remain clean and free from any trace of corruption.