How Pastor Adeboye ordered refund of billions traced to fraud – EFCC

Olukoyede said Adeboye directed that the money be returned within 24 hours of being informed that the donation was traced to proceeds of crime.

The EFCC chairman made the disclosure in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, while addressing RCCG workers at a meeting organised ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.

According to Church Times Nigeria, which reported the development on Saturday, Adeboye invited the anti-graft agency’s chairman to speak to church workers on financial accountability, transparency and the importance of maintaining proper financial records.

Recounting the incident, Olukoyede said a member of the church had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project before EFCC investigations uncovered the alleged criminal source of the funds.

He said the church leadership was subsequently informed of the discovery, prompting Adeboye to order an immediate refund.

Olukoyede commended the RCCG General Overseer for his response, noting that the directive was issued within 24 hours of the church being notified.

The EFCC chairman, however, did not disclose the identity of the donor, the exact amount involved or the particular church project for which the money was contributed.

Speaking further, Olukoyede expressed concern over cases of alleged financial misconduct involving religious leaders, including questionable financial transactions and irregularities surrounding contracts for church projects.

He warned church workers and pastors against accepting donations without making reasonable efforts to establish the legitimacy of their sources.

The EFCC boss, who is also an ordained pastor, said religious institutions must be careful not to become channels through which proceeds of crime are concealed or legitimised.

He also cited a separate case involving another church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme.

According to him, the leader of the church initially resisted the commission’s intervention but later refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.

Olukoyede warned that the commission would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute individuals implicated in financial crimes, irrespective of their religious status or position.

He further cautioned church leaders against materialism, unhealthy rivalry and struggles for leadership positions, which he said could encourage corruption within religious institutions.

The EFCC chairman also expressed concern over allegations that some individuals were offering bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.

He urged pastors and other church officials to exercise due diligence when receiving donations, particularly large financial contributions, to avoid accepting funds linked to fraudulent activities.

Responding to the remarks, Adeboye reaffirmed the church’s position against corruption, declaring that the RCCG would not shield anyone found culpable of financial wrongdoing.

He also charged pastors and church workers to maintain accurate financial records and conduct their activities with integrity and accountability.