EFCC Boss To Pastors, Imams: Stop Crime, Restore Moral Values In Society

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on pastors and imams across Nigeria to intensify their efforts in promoting moral values, honesty and integrity as part of the fight against corruption.

Olukoyede made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during the second 2026 council meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), where the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders was also launched.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the EFCC chairman said religious institutions have a significant role to play in shaping the character of Nigerians and preventing corrupt practices before they occur.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria,” Olukoyede noted that the wellbeing of the country depends largely on the choices and actions of individuals. He argued that corruption undermines collective prosperity by allowing individuals to benefit at the expense of the wider society.

He said one of the most important contributions religious leaders could make to national development was to restore the moral value of honest living among their followers.

Olukoyede stressed that corruption does not discriminate along religious or ethnic lines, noting that the consequences of financial crimes affect Nigerians regardless of their faith or background.

He explained that stolen public funds could deprive citizens of quality healthcare, infrastructure, employment opportunities and other essential services, regardless of whether they are Christians or Muslims.

The EFCC chairman urged pastors and imams to remain committed to teaching their followers the principles of integrity and responsible conduct, stressing that neither Christianity nor Islam condones corruption or fraudulent activities.

He disclosed that the EFCC had, over the years, worked with Christian and Muslim leaders through an interfaith framework to develop materials that explain the position of religious teachings on corruption and financial crimes.

Olukoyede said the newly launched manual was designed to assist religious leaders in incorporating anti-corruption messages into their sermons and teachings. He expressed hope that the resource would help churches and mosques contribute more effectively to the fight against corruption.

He also highlighted the complementary roles of law enforcement agencies and religious institutions, noting that while the EFCC investigates and prosecutes financial crimes, faith communities can help influence the values and behaviour of individuals.

The EFCC chairman further urged religious institutions to challenge the culture of celebrating wealth without questioning its source, saying religious teachings could help prevent corruption before it takes root in society.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Professor Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, said the second edition of the Anti-Corruption Preaching and Teaching Manual was facilitated by the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee (IAAC) of the EFCC.

Omonokhua explained that the manual, together with facilitators’ guides, was developed to assist Christian and Muslim preachers in communicating authentic religious teachings on integrity, peaceful coexistence and the dangers of corruption.

He commended the EFCC leadership for sustaining the interfaith anti-corruption initiative, describing the manual as an important guide for religious institutions seeking to promote ethical conduct and contribute to the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria.