EFCC Chairman Sounds Alarm Over Clerics Named In Financial Crime Investigations

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called for a rethink of the religious titles used to identify pastors, imams and other clerics who become involved in financial crime cases.

Olukoyede made the remarks while speaking at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, where he addressed the role of religious institutions in promoting integrity and combating corruption.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the EFCC chairman said the commission’s case files contain numerous suspects who are identified by religious titles, with some having already been convicted and sentenced to prison.

He questioned the continued use of titles such as “pastor” and “imam” for individuals who have been convicted of financial crimes, arguing that greater attention should be paid to their conduct rather than their religious status.

“I advocated for a review of the titles we give to men of God. Maybe, if it is possible for us to remove those titles, pastor and imam. You know why? I have my case files full of these titles,” Olukoyede said.

He added that some individuals convicted of financial crimes continued to be addressed by their religious titles even while serving prison sentences, describing the situation as something society should seriously consider.

Olukoyede also recounted an encounter with a financial crime suspect who introduced himself using several religious titles when he appeared before the commission. He stressed that religious status would not prevent the EFCC from investigating or prosecuting anyone suspected of committing financial offences.

The EFCC chairman said genuine religious leadership should be reflected in a person’s conduct and character rather than in titles or outward appearance.

He maintained that anyone who engages in financial crime should be held accountable regardless of whether the individual identifies as a Christian, Muslim, pastor, imam or member of another religious group.

“If you think you’re a Christian or you’re a pastor here, and you commit financial crime, I will be your enemy. I won’t be your friend,” he said.

Olukoyede also urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote honesty, accountability and responsible conduct among their followers. He stressed that financial crime should not be associated with any particular religion or ethnic group.

The EFCC has separately said it has taken disciplinary and prosecutorial action against some of its own personnel accused of corruption and financial malpractice, with more than 40 staff dismissed since Olukoyede assumed office and some of those cases proceeding to prosecution.

The chairman’s comments formed part of a broader call for religious institutions to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening ethical standards and reducing financial crimes in Nigeria.