…Olukoyede Says Separation of Personal Finances From Religious Funds Is Non-Negotiable
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned religious leaders against diverting tithes, offerings, zakat, and other funds belonging to religious organisations into private businesses.
CDA News Nigeria reports that EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), themed “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Olukoyede said religious leaders were free to engage in legitimate private businesses, including farming and trading, but must maintain a clear separation between personal finances and money belonging to their churches, mosques, or other religious organisations.
He urged religious institutions to establish effective financial and regulatory compliance systems to ensure that funds contributed by worshippers are properly managed and used for their intended purposes. “When money is paid to your organisation, don’t divert it to your business. That’s criminal,” Olukoyede said.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the EFCC chairman also urged religious leaders to lead by example in the fight against corruption, noting that followers often emulate the conduct of their leaders. He further criticised religious institutions for celebrating individuals whose sources of wealth cannot be adequately explained, warning that such practices could provide moral cover for illicit wealth.
He said faith communities have an important role in preventing corruption by promoting honesty, accountability, and responsible attitudes towards wealth.
The EFCC chairman’s warning comes amid renewed calls for stronger financial accountability within religious and other non-profit organisations, and follows the agency’s recent commendation by the Nigerian Bar Association over Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list.
Source verification: Original reporting based on EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s remarks at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting on anti-corruption matters.
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