ABUJA, Nigeria — Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged churches and mosques on Wednesday to introduce safeguards against the misuse of donations.
The anti-graft agency chief said leaders committed a crime when they channelled money given to their religious organisations into businesses they owned.
Olukoyede addressed the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
His warning covered tithes, offerings, zakat, and other religious contributions.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria report published by News Express, he told the gathering, “When money is paid to your organisation, don’t divert it to your business.”
Religious leaders could earn money through other occupations, he said, but should keep their personal resources distinct from funds collected for their faith.
Olukoyede also cited disciplinary action within the EFCC, saying the agency had dismissed more than 40 employees for corruption.
He said its Directorate of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control had been established to monitor ministries, departments, and agencies.
Religious Teaching and Donations
At the council’s second meeting of the year, Olukoyede announced an Inter-Faith Manual intended to help religious leaders teach their congregations about corruption.
He said the publication followed the commission’s engagement with faith leaders.
He urged religious institutions to use their influence to encourage honesty and prevent wrongdoing, saying their ability to shape character complemented the EFCC’s powers to investigate and prosecute.
Olukoyede also challenged religious leaders over their acceptance of unexplained wealth.
He questioned why they would dedicate a mosque if its cost exceeded what the public servant funding it could earn in 500 years.
He said charitable giving should not confer legitimacy on wealth acquired at other people’s expense, and cautioned ethnic groups against treating an investigation into one member as an attack on the entire community.
Religious leaders needed to demonstrate the conduct they expected from their followers, he said. He added that the theft of public funds harmed Christians and Muslims alike.
