By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that many pastors, imams, bishops and sheikhs are among suspects investigated, prosecuted and convicted for financial crimes in Nigeria, even as some continue to be addressed by their religious titles while serving prison sentences.
Olukoyede made the disclosure on Wednesday, 23 September, 2026, at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, themed “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
He explained that the commission’s case files contained numerous suspects identified by religious titles, some of whom had already been convicted and imprisoned.
“So many case files, pastor, imam indicted for financial crimes. And some of them are even badly convicted, and they are in jail. And while in jail, they still refer to them as pastor and imam,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman advocated a review of how religious titles were conferred on individuals, arguing that such titles should not become a shield against accountability.
“I advocated for a review of the titles we give to men of God. Maybe, if it is possible for us to remove those titles, pastor and imam. If it is possible for us to remove that title: pastor, Imam, bishop, sheik. And you know what? I have my case files full of these titles,” he said.
Olukoyede stressed that the trend required serious reflection on what should genuinely define a man of God, insisting that spirituality should be demonstrated through conduct and integrity rather than outward appearance or self-acclaimed status.
“So, it is something for us to really think about. Maybe, we are just to recognise them as men of God. Because the spirit of God is by their fruits, not their appearance. Not what we call ourselves. It is by the fruits,” he said.
He recounted an incident involving a suspect brought in for investigation, who had demanded to meet him on account of his claimed religious titles.
“Somebody was brought in for investigation. And he demanded to see me. As he entered, he said, I am reverend, doctor, bishop,” he narrated.
Olukoyede disclosed that he disregarded the titles and focused solely on the allegations against the suspect, warning that no one would be shielded from prosecution because of religious status or position.
“So, if you think you’re a Christian or you’re a pastor here, and you commit financial crime, I will be your enemy. I won’t be your friend,” he declared.
The EFCC Chairman said he was honoured to participate in the NIREC meeting given the significance of its theme, noting that the council was established in recognition of Nigeria’s religious diversity and the need to prevent such diversity from becoming a source of division.
“We are a deeply religious people. Our churches and mosques are full,” he said.
He, however, challenged Nigerians to reflect on whether the depth of their religious commitment was adequately reflected in the integrity of public and economic life.
“Yet, 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 had no religion or ethnicity, noting that both Christians and Muslims suffered whenever public resources were stolen or misappropriated, and maintained that religious leaders had a critical role to play in changing attitudes toward corruption given their influence beyond places of worship.
Recalling what he described as disturbing discoveries from an investigation into a pilgrimage board during his time as Chief of Staff and Secretary, the EFCC chairman disclosed that almost 75 per cent of funds meant for pilgrims had allegedly been stolen. He explained that religious institutions bore an extraordinary responsibility in preventing corruption, given their capacity to shape character and promote honesty.
“While EFCC can investigate conduct and prosecute fraud, faith communities can influence character and cultivate honesty to prevent crime,” he said.
Olukoyede further criticised worship centres that celebrated unexplained wealth, questioning the message conveyed when religious institutions honoured wealthy individuals without scrutinising the source of their fortunes.
“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 process of crime,” he said.
He urged religious communities not to provide moral shelter for corruption, stressing that religious, ethnic or charitable considerations should never be used to legitimise or launder proceeds allegedly obtained through the suffering of others.
