- EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede has called for a review of religious titles such as “pastor” and “imam” attached to individuals facing or convicted of financial crimes.
- Speaking at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of NIREC in Abuja, he said EFCC case files contain several suspects with such titles, some of whom have been convicted and jailed.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, has called for a review of religious titles used by pastors, imams and other religious leaders involved in financial crime cases.
Olukoyede made the call on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja.
According to the EFCC boss, the commission’s case files contain numerous individuals identified with religious titles, with some already convicted and serving prison sentences.
“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.
“And some of them have been convicted and they are in jail. And while in jail, they still refer to them as pastor and imam. So it is something for us to really think about,” he added.
Olukoyede also recounted an encounter with a suspect who introduced himself using several religious titles when he appeared before the commission.
He stressed that religious status would not protect anyone from investigation or prosecution when financial crimes are alleged.
“Because the spirit of God is by their fruits, not their appearance. Not what we call ourselves. It’s by the fruits,” he said.
“So 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,” Olukoyede added.
The EFCC chairman also urged religious leaders to promote integrity and accountability, stressing that financial crime has no religious identity.
