Adeboye Orders Refund of Billions in Church Donations
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, reportedly directed the return of billions of naira donated towards a church project after the funds were linked to proceeds of crime.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this during an address to RCCG workers on Saturday, November 7, ahead of the church’s annual Holy Ghost Congress.
According to Church Times Nigeria, Olukoyede said Adeboye instructed the church to refund the money within 24 hours of receiving information about its source.
The EFCC chairman explained that investigations had exposed the questionable origin of the contribution, which came from a church member. However, he did not reveal the donor’s identity, the project involved or the exact amount recovered.
Olukoyede praised Adeboye’s response, describing it as an example of how religious institutions should handle suspicious financial contributions. He also urged church workers to examine the sources of donations rather than accept funds without proper checks.
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The EFCC boss, who is also an ordained pastor, expressed concern over financial misconduct involving religious leaders. He particularly warned against questionable dealings connected to church contracts and projects.
He further recounted a separate incident involving a church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme. According to him, the church leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but later returned a substantial sum after the EFCC threatened legal action. He did not identify the church or disclose further details.
Olukoyede stressed that religious affiliation would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution for financial crimes. He also cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy rivalry and struggles for leadership positions, noting that such practices could encourage financial wrongdoing.
He raised additional concerns about reports of individuals allegedly offering bribes to secure leadership positions within the RCCG.
In his response, Adeboye maintained that the church would not shield anyone involved in financial misconduct. He also called on pastors to keep accurate financial records and ensure transparency in their dealings.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the EFCC chairman to address financial accountability in religious organisations, particularly the need for churches to verify donations and maintain proper records.
Source: Punch News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
