The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, reportedly ordered the return of billions of naira donated to a church project after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) traced the funds to criminal activities.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that Adeboye directed the church to refund the money within 24 hours after receiving information about its source.
Olukoyede revealed this on Saturday, November 7, 2026, while addressing RCCG workers during a meeting organised ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.
According to Church Times Nigeria, Adeboye had invited the EFCC chairman to speak on financial accountability, proper record-keeping and transparency in religious organisations.
Recounting the incident, Olukoyede explained that a church member had contributed billions of naira towards an RCCG project. However, investigations later established that the donation came from proceeds of financial crime.
He praised Adeboye for directing the immediate refund once the church received the information.
The EFCC chairman did not identify the donor or disclose the particular church project involved. He also withheld the exact amount returned but confirmed that the donation involved billions of naira.
EFCC Warns Churches Against Suspicious Donations
Olukoyede expressed concern over financial misconduct involving religious organisations, including cases where church leaders face allegations connected to questionable transactions and project contracts.
He urged pastors and church workers to exercise caution when receiving donations, stressing that religious institutions must establish the legitimacy of funds before accepting them.
The anti-graft agency boss also recalled a separate investigation involving a church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme.
According to him, the church leader initially resisted the EFCC’s intervention but later returned a substantial amount after the commission threatened legal action.
Olukoyede did not reveal the church’s identity or provide further details about the alleged scheme.
He maintained that the EFCC would investigate financial crimes regardless of the position, status or religious affiliation of those involved.
The chairman also cautioned church members against excessive materialism, unhealthy competition and internal leadership struggles, warning that such practices could encourage financial irregularities.
He further raised concerns about allegations that some individuals offered bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.
Olukoyede called on church leaders to strengthen their financial oversight systems and investigate the origins of contributions before using them for religious projects.
Adeboye Responds to EFCC Chairman’s Warning
Responding to the EFCC chairman’s address, Adeboye reportedly assured that the RCCG would not shield anyone found guilty of financial wrongdoing.
He also instructed pastors within the church to maintain transparent financial records and conduct their activities without corruption.
The exchange highlighted the importance of financial accountability in religious institutions, particularly when handling large donations and contributions from members.