EFCC Warns Pastors, Imams Against Celebrating Suspected Proceeds of Crime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned religious leaders against providing moral cover for individuals whose wealth is suspected to have been acquired through financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede also criticised worship centres for celebrating unexplained wealth, questioning the message sent when religious institutions honour wealthy individuals without examining the sources of their fortunes.

Olukoyede gave the warning while speaking about the need for stronger societal opposition to financial crimes. He said religious, ethnic and charitable considerations should not be used to legitimise or give social acceptance to proceeds allegedly obtained through criminal activities.

He cited the example of a public servant who claimed to have built a mosque worth more than he could have earned from his official income over several centuries. According to Olukoyede, the decision by a religious institution to dedicate such a facility without questioning its source of funding could amount to celebrating the proceeds of crime.

“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.

The EFCC chairman urged religious communities to examine the sources of wealth being celebrated within their institutions rather than automatically associating financial success with virtue. He argued that religious institutions have an important role to play in discouraging corruption and illicit enrichment.

Olukoyede stressed that concerns about suspected financial crimes should not be overlooked because of a person’s religious, ethnic or charitable activities. He maintained that such considerations should not be allowed to provide legitimacy for wealth allegedly generated at the expense of others.

His comments come amid broader concerns over unexplained wealth and the social recognition sometimes given to individuals facing questions over the sources of their money. The EFCC has continued to call for greater public support in efforts to combat financial crimes and strengthen accountability.