Your Titles Will Not Shield You From Prosecution, EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede Warns Religious Leaders

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has revealed that there are several Pastors and Imams currently being prosecuted by the anti graft agency for corruption

According to him, EFCC case files contain instances of “pastor so-so-so” and “imam so-so-so” being indicted for financial crimes, adding that some had subsequently been convicted and imprisoned.

“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.”

The EFCC chairman spoke at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held in Abuja with the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria”.

He expressed concern over the high number of individuals bearing religious titles who are being investigated and prosecuted for financial crimes.

Olukoyede revealed that the commission’s case files contained numerous cases involving persons described as pastors, imams and other religious leaders, with some already convicted and serving jail terms.

He said the situation has prompted him to question the continued use of religious titles as a shield or source of identity when individuals are accused of criminal conduct.

“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.

Olukoyede suggested that religious leaders should be judged by their conduct rather than the titles they carry, adding that genuine men of God should be identified by their actions and commitment to doing what is right.

“People who carry the spirit of God, who do the right thing. Because the spirit of God is by their fruits, not their appearance. Not what we call ourselves. It’s by the fruit.”

The EFCC chairman illustrated his point with an encounter involving a suspect who was brought to the commission for investigation.

He said the suspect, upon being allowed to meet him, introduced himself using several religious titles.

“‘I am Reverend Dr Bishop…’ the suspect reportedly told him. I said, ‘Wait there, don’t bring that one here. Did you misappropriate money or not?’” he recounted.

According to the EFCC chairman, the suspect had allegedly misappropriated funds and was subsequently facing five charges.

He warned religious leaders that their positions would not protect them from investigation or prosecution if they get involved in financial crimes.

“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 said.

He called on religious leaders to demonstrate the values they preach by maintaining integrity and accountability, stressing that religious status should not be used to evade the law