SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, reportedly ordered the immediate return of billions of naira traced to church projects during an investigation into alleged financial crimes, according to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede disclosed that Adeboye gave church officials just 24 hours to return the funds after learning that money allegedly connected to an individual under investigation had been traced to some RCCG projects.
The EFCC chairman shared the account while speaking to church workers and ministers at the Redemption City of God in Simawa, Ogun State, following the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service.
The program, held at Adeboye’s invitation, focused on the theme “Ethical Standard and Corruption in Christian Community.”
Recounting the incident, Olukoyede explained that the individual under investigation had been involved in financial transactions running into tens of billions of naira, with some of the funds traced to the church.
He said he personally approached Adeboye to brief him on the commission’s findings. According to him, the pastor was visibly unhappy with the development and immediately instructed some church leaders to ensure that the money was returned.
Olukoyede quoted Adeboye as telling the officials: “I give you 24 hours. Everything you have traced to RCCG from this particular person who has been indicted, return it within the next 24 hours.”
The EFCC boss said the funds were subsequently returned to government coffers, describing Adeboye’s response as an example of integrity and zero tolerance for proceeds of crime.
He used the incident to warn religious leaders against protecting individuals whose wealth is suspected to have come from fraudulent activities.
Olukoyede also revealed that one of the most difficult decisions he had made during his time at the EFCC was authorizing the detention of a senior RCCG pastor over alleged financial misconduct connected to his secular workplace.
He stressed that being a pastor or occupying a prominent position in the church should not exempt anyone from accountability under the law.
The anti-graft chief further criticized the growing emphasis on wealth and material possessions in some Christian communities, warning that churches must not give special recognition to individuals simply because they have money.
He maintained that churches should welcome everyone but must never use their pulpits to celebrate suspected fraudsters or promote questionable sources of wealth.
Olukoyede also condemned the practice of offering or accepting money in exchange for ordination and church leadership positions, describing such transactions as bribery and criminal conduct.
He urged Christians to practice the same honesty and accountability they expect from political leaders and public office holders, warning that corruption within religious institutions damages the credibility of the Christian faith.
According to him, the church must place greater emphasis on holiness, transparency, and ethical leadership rather than material success.
The EFCC chairman expressed hope that RCCG would become a model of accountability for other religious organizations, urging members to protect the reputation of the church through responsible conduct.
Thousands of ministers and church workers attended the gathering.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
