Pastors, Imams, Bishops, Sheikhs, Others Involved in Financial Crimes, Says EFCC Chairman

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the involvement of some religious figures in financial crimes in the country.
Olukoyede said this on Wednesday at the second Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting of 2026 in Abuja, with the theme “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria”.
The EFCC Chairman noted that pastors, imams, bishops, sheikhs and other religious leaders are among those investigated, prosecuted and convicted for such offences.
He added that the commission’s files contained numerous identified suspects with religious titles, some of whom had already been convicted and were serving prison sentences.
“So many cases, pastors and imams indicted for financial crimes. And some of them are even seriously convicted and are in prison,” Olukoyede said.
He noted that despite their convictions and imprisonment, some individuals continued to be called by their religious titles.
“And while they are in prison, they still call them pastor and imam,” he said.
Olukoyede has advocated for a review of how religious titles are bestowed on individuals, saying the titles should not become a shield against liability.
“I have advocated for a review of the titles we give to men of God. Perhaps, if it were possible for us, remove those titles, pastor and imam.
“If it is possible for us to remove that title: pastor, imam, bishop, sheikh. And you know what? I have my files full of these titles,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman said the development requires serious reflection on the qualities that should define a true man of God.
“So it’s something to really think about. Maybe we just need to recognize them as men of God,” he said.
According to him, genuine spirituality should be demonstrated through conduct and integrity rather than through outward appearance or self-proclaimed religious status.
“Because the spirit of God is in their fruits, not in their appearance. Not in what we call ourselves. It is in the fruits,” Olukoyede said.
He recounted an incident involving a suspect who was taken to the EFCC for investigation and asked to meet him because of the religious titles he claimed.
“Someone was brought here for an investigation. And he asked to see me… Upon entering, he said: I am reverend, doctor, bishop,” he said.
Olukoyede said he ignored the headlines and focused on the charges against the suspect, stressing that religious identity cannot trump the law.
He warned that no one will be protected from prosecution simply because of their religious status or position.
“So if you think you’re a Christian or you’re a pastor here, and you commit a financial crime, I will be your enemy. I will not be your friend,” he said.
The EFCC President said he was honored to participate in the NIREC meeting due to the importance of the theme “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria”.
He noted that NIREC was established in recognition of Nigeria’s religious diversity and the need to ensure that such diversity does not become a source of division.
“We are a deeply religious people. Our churches and mosques are full,” Olukoyede said.
He, however, challenged Nigerians to consider whether the depth of their religious commitment was sufficiently reflected in the integrity of public and economic life.
“However, we must have the courage to ask ourselves: has the depth of our religious profession been sufficiently reflected in the integrity of our public and economic life?” he asked.
Olukoyede stressed that financial crime has no religion or ethnicity, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are affected whenever public assets are stolen or misappropriated.
He said religious leaders have a critical role to play in changing attitudes towards corruption because their influence extends beyond places of worship.
The EFCC Chairman recalled what he described as disturbing findings that emerged from investigations into a pilgrimage committee during his time as Chief of Staff and Secretary, saying almost 75% of funds meant for pilgrims were allegedly stolen.
He said religious institutions have an extraordinary responsibility to prevent corruption because faith communities can shape character and promote honesty.
“While the EFCC can investigate conduct and prosecute fraud, religious communities can influence character and cultivate honesty to prevent crime,” he said.
Olukoyede also criticized centers of worship that celebrated unexplained wealth, questioning the message conveyed when religious institutions honored wealthy individuals without examining the sources of their wealth.
“A public official says he has built a mosque that will be worth more than his earnings in the next 500 years. And you go there to inaugurate it. You are dedicating the criminal trial,” he said.
He urged religious communities not to provide moral refuge to corruption, stressing that neither religious, ethnic nor charitable considerations should be used to legitimize or sanitize proceeds allegedly obtained through the suffering of others.