Adeboye Ordered Refund of Billions in Crime-Linked Donations Within 24 Hours – EFCC

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the immediate refund of billions of naira donated to a church project after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered that the funds were proceeds of financial crime.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this on Saturday, November 7, while addressing RCCG workers during a meeting organised by the church ahead of its annual Holy Ghost Congress.

According to Church Times Nigeria, Adeboye had invited Olukoyede to speak on financial propriety and the importance of maintaining transparent financial records in religious institutions.

Recounting the incident, the EFCC chairman said a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but subsequent investigations revealed that the money was linked to financial crime.

He said Adeboye immediately directed the church to return the donation within 24 hours after being informed of its source.

Although Olukoyede did not disclose the donor’s identity, the specific church project or the exact amount involved, he commended Adeboye for his swift response.

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The EFCC chairman, an ordained pastor, expressed concern over the growing number of financial crime cases involving religious leaders, including allegations surrounding contracts awarded for church projects.

He warned church workers against accepting suspicious donations or pursuing wealth through questionable means.

Another church linked to Ponzi scheme

Olukoyede also recounted a separate case involving another church allegedly implicated in a Ponzi scheme.

He said the church leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.

The EFCC boss withheld the identity of the church and further details of the alleged scheme.

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He, however, warned that the commission would not shield anyone involved in financial crimes, irrespective of their religious status or affiliation.

Olukoyede further cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, noting that such practices could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct.

He also expressed concern over reports of individuals allegedly offering bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.

Urging pastors to exercise due diligence before accepting donations, he stressed the need to verify the sources of contributions to ensure that church funds were not proceeds of criminal activities.

Responding, Adeboye reportedly assured the EFCC chairman that the RCCG would not protect anyone found guilty of financial wrongdoing.

He also urged pastors across the church to maintain accurate financial records and ensure that their activities remained free from corruption.

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