How much crime-linked money has successfully found its way into Nigerian churches' bank accounts without being traced? And how much of such money may still be sitting in church accounts today?
These are important questions following a revelation by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), ordered the return of billions of naira in donations after the money was linked to criminal activities.
Olukoyede made the revelation on Saturday while speaking to RCCG workers ahead of the church's Holy Ghost Congress. He was invited by Pastor Adeboye to speak on ethics and corruption in the Christian community.
According to the EFCC chairman, the commission traced the suspicious funds to some church projects. After the findings were presented to Pastor Adeboye, the church leader reportedly ordered that the money be returned within 24 hours.
However, Olukoyede did not reveal the identity of the donor or provide further details about the source of the money.
The EFCC boss praised Pastor Adeboye for his quick action, describing it as a good example of honesty and strong leadership.
He also warned church leaders against accepting large donations without checking where the money comes from. He particularly advised them to be careful about gifts from public officials whose known salaries and earnings cannot explain their wealth.
Olukoyede, who is also a senior pastor in the RCCG, urged Christians to protect the good name of the church and the Christian faith. He warned that when people who claim to serve God engage in wrongdoing, their actions can discourage others from becoming Christians.
The revelation has also raised fresh questions about the need for churches and other religious organisations to carry out proper checks before accepting huge donations.
While churches depend on donations to carry out their religious and charity work, Olukoyede's message is clear: Money given to God should not come from crime.
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