The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, reportedly ordered the refund of billions of naira donated towards a church project after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) traced the funds to alleged proceeds of crime.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this while addressing RCCG workers in the early hours of Saturday, during a meeting held ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.
According to Church Times Nigeria, Adeboye had invited the EFCC chairman to speak on financial transparency, accountability and proper financial record-keeping within the church.
Recounting the incident, Olukoyede said investigations by the commission revealed that a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but subsequent findings indicated that the money was allegedly derived from criminal activities.
He said the commission communicated its findings to the church, prompting Adeboye to immediately direct that the donation be returned.
Olukoyede commended the cleric for taking action within 24 hours of receiving the information, describing the response as an example of accountability and responsible leadership.
However, the EFCC chairman did not disclose the identity of the donor, the exact amount involved or the specific project for which the donation was made.
He warned religious organisations against accepting suspicious donations, stressing that churches must not become channels for concealing or legitimising proceeds of criminal activities.
The EFCC boss also cited another case involving a church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme. According to him, the church leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but later agreed to refund a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.
Olukoyede further cautioned against materialism, unhealthy competition and attempts to offer bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.
He urged church leaders and workers to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in managing religious institutions and their finances.
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