EFCC warns Nigerian religious leaders against diverting funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued warnings to religious leaders in Nigeria regarding the misuse of religious funds. During the 2026 Nigeria Inter-Religious Council meeting in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede stated that diverting tithes, offerings, and zakat into private businesses is a criminal offense. He urged churches and mosques to implement compliance systems to separate organizational funds from personal resources.

Olukoyede also called for a review of religious titles such as ‘pastor’ and ‘imam,’ noting that many individuals bearing these titles are currently under investigation or have been convicted of financial crimes. He emphasized that religious status should not serve as a shield against accountability and urged faith communities to use their influence to promote integrity and prevent corruption before it occurs.

In a separate effort to combat corruption at the grassroots level, the EFCC pledged to increase oversight of local government councils to ensure increased allocations translate into community development. The commission also highlighted its recent successes, reporting 10,872 convictions and N1.23 trillion in recoveries between October 2023 and July 2026.