The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the immediate return of billions of naira donated to a church project after anti-graft investigators traced the money to proceeds of financial crime.
Olukoyede revealed the development while speaking to RCCG ministers and workers during a pre-Holy Ghost Congress meeting at the Redemption City of God in Simawa, Ogun State. He explained that he was personally invited by Pastor Adeboye to address church officials on financial integrity, accountability, and proper record-keeping within religious institutions.
According to the EFCC boss, an individual under investigation for financial crimes running into tens of billions of naira had donated billions of naira to an RCCG church project. Upon confirming through anti-graft investigations that the funds were illicit, Olukoyede personally briefed Pastor Adeboye on the matter.
Reacting to the discovery, Pastor Adeboye became visibly angry and immediately directed church officials to calculate and return every naira linked to the suspect back to the government within 24 hours. The EFCC chairman confirmed that the entire sum was fully refunded as instructed.
Olukoyede withheld the donor’s identity, the exact figure returned beyond the billions involved, and the specific church project to avoid jeopardizing ongoing legal proceedings. However, he used the platform to warn religious institutions against accepting questionable donations or according prominent roles to individuals with untraceable wealth.
The incident highlights a growing worry for anti-corruption officials and civic observers: when illicit public funds end up in the church, it calls for a big concern. The infiltration of stolen public funds into religious institutions not only compromises the integrity of sacred spaces but also demonstrates how deeply systemic corruption can permeate society if strict financial scrutiny and vigilance are not enforced.
Responding to the anti-graft chief’s address, Pastor Adeboye reaffirmed that the RCCG would not cover up for anyone involved in financial misconduct. He reiterated his charge to church leaders to maintain pristine financial records and ensure all ministry operations remain free from corruption.
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