The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye did not hesitate to order an immediate refund when he learnt that a huge donation to a project of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) came from proceeds of crime.
He said the revered preacher, known by followers as Daddy GO, ordered the funds returned within 24 hours.
Olukoyede gave the account early Saturday during an address to RCCG workers at a meeting organised by the church ahead of its annual Holy Ghost Congress.
Adeboye had invited him to talk to the workers about financial discipline, accountability and keeping clean records.
While addressing them, the EFCC chairman narrated how a member of the church gave billions of naira for an RCCG project. He did not name the donor, state the exact figure involved, or identify the project the money was meant for. However, he said the money was later found to be proceeds of financial crime.
According to Olukoyede, who is also an ordained RCCG pastor, Adeboye instructed that the entire sum be paid back within 24 hours.
He lauded “Adeboye for ordering the refund shortly after the church was alerted,” describing the move as a clear example of integrity in leadership.
The EFCC chairman told the workers that the commission keeps receiving petitions against church leaders over alleged financial crimes, including questionable contracts for church projects.
He cautioned that churches must not allow themselves to be used to hide or clean up illicit wealth, and urged pastors to always ask questions about the source of large donations before accepting them.
Olukoyede also cited another case in which a church was linked to a Ponzi scheme. He said the leader of that church first pushed back against the EFCC, but later refunded a large amount when it became clear the commission was ready to prosecute.
The EFCC boss cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, saying such tendencies could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct.
He warned that no one, no matter their religious standing, would be spared if found involved in financial crime, and urged Christians to resist the chase for material wealth at all costs.