EFCC Links 12 Religious Figures to Fraud Cases in Nigeria

On September 23, Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), addressed the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, revealing that twelve Nigerian religious figures are implicated in fraud cases involving millions of naira. Some of these individuals have been convicted and imprisoned but continue to be recognized by their religious titles.

Pastor Godswill Oyor, founder of Zedekiah Money Train, faced accusations from investors who claimed he failed to return their capital and promised returns after they invested millions of naira. Reports indicated that investors were promised returns of up to 21% within 90 days, but many funds remained unpaid after the scheme ceased operations.

Oyor was reportedly arrested in early 2023. Another case involves Bishop Katung Jonas and his associate Okewole Dayo, accused of using the Covenant Fadama Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society to defraud investors of approximately ₦178.9 million.

A witness testified in 2025 that he was drawn to the cooperative after seeing Jonas promote it on television. Additionally, Prophet Sunday Koboko was convicted in July 2026.