The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned religious leaders not to transfer tithes, donations, zakat, and other religious funds into private companies.
The warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja during the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council’s (NIREC) 2026 Second Council Meeting by EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede recommended churches and mosques to establish regulatory compliance systems to safeguard cash given to them, stating that such diversion was illegal.
He underlined that since their followers imitate their behaviour, religious leaders must set an example in the battle against corruption.
“When the followers know that there is no difference between the money that is meant to propagate the faith that you stand for and your own personal resources, you miss everything together.
“You are not supposed to mingle in. That doesn’t mean you can’t do any other vocation. You sell cars, you are a farmer and all of that.
“Don’t mix the money from the purse of your organisation with that of your own personal money. Don’t do that. When money is paid to your organisation, don’t divert it to your business.
ALSO READ: “EFCC Has Sacked Over 40 Staff For Malpractices EFCC Chairman
“That’s criminal and some of our adherents and followers see some of these things we do.”
The EFCC chairman noted that religious institutions had an extraordinary responsibility: while the EFCC could investigate, conduct, and prosecute fraud, faith communities could influence character and cultivate honesty to prevent crime.
He also criticised worship centres that celebrated unexplained wealth.
“A public servant says he has built a mosque that is worth more than his earnings in the next 500 years. And you go there to dedicate it. You are dedicating the proceeds of crime,” he said.
Over 40 workers have been fired by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC, for alleged financial malpractice and corruption during the previous three years.
Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the revelation during a function evaluating the organisation’s accomplishments since he assumed leadership in October 2023.
According to him, case files are being prepared against some of the terminated officials, and over five of them are already being prosecuted.
Financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and corruption, are investigated by the EFCC, which frequently pursues charges against public officials, lawmakers, businesspeople, and others who are suspected of squandering public funds.
