EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Warns Religious Leaders on Fund Misuse

Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), addressed religious leaders at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), emphasizing that diverting tithes, offerings, and zakat to personal businesses is criminal. He urged religious organizations to implement regulatory compliance mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds.

Olukoyede highlighted that these organizations are not-for-profit entities and must keep funds in designated accounts for their intended purposes. He recounted past investigations revealing significant financial irregularities in institutions sponsoring religious pilgrimages, with allegations that up to 75% of government funds for pilgrims were misappropriated.

He called for greater accountability and transparency, advising religious leaders to separate personal finances from organizational funds and develop compliance templates to clarify financial boundaries.