Illicit Donations: Adeboye Orders RCCG to Refund Billions Traced to Church Projects

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the immediate refund of billions of naira traced to church projects after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linked the funds to proceeds of alleged financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that Adeboye directed church officials to return the money within 24 hours after the commission informed him of the findings of its investigation.

Olukoyede made the revelation on Saturday, November 7, 2026, while addressing pastors, ministers and other workers of the RCCG at the Redemption City of God, Simawa, Ogun State.

The meeting followed the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service and was organised to discuss ethical standards, financial propriety and the need for transparency in religious institutions.

Recounting the incident, the EFCC chairman said an individual under investigation for alleged financial crimes had made substantial donations to RCCG projects. However, investigations by the commission subsequently traced some of the funds to the church.

According to Olukoyede, the individual was involved in financial transactions running into tens of billions of naira, with some of the money eventually traced to RCCG projects.

He said he personally approached Adeboye to explain the commission’s findings, after which the cleric immediately instructed church officials to return every amount traced to the individual.

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Olukoyede said Adeboye was visibly displeased when he learnt about the source of the funds and gave the church officials 24 hours to return the money.

The EFCC chairman said the funds were subsequently returned to government coffers, commending the cleric for his response and describing it as an example of accountability.

He did not disclose the identity of the donor, the exact amount returned or the specific RCCG projects that received the funds.

Using the incident to warn religious organisations against questionable financial transactions, Olukoyede urged church leaders to investigate the sources of substantial donations before accepting them.

He cautioned that religious institutions must not become channels through which proceeds of crime are concealed or legitimised, stressing that religious status should not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.

The EFCC boss also expressed concern about cases involving religious leaders allegedly implicated in financial misconduct, including questionable transactions and irregularities surrounding contracts for church projects.

He recalled a separate case involving another church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme, saying its leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.

Olukoyede did not identify the church or provide further details about the case.

He further warned against the growing influence of materialism, unhealthy competition and struggles for leadership positions in religious organisations.

The EFCC chairman raised concerns about reports of individuals allegedly offering money to secure ordination, promotion or leadership positions within the RCCG.

He described the offering or receiving of money in exchange for such positions as bribery, warning that both parties could be held accountable under the law.

Olukoyede also cautioned pastors against giving undue recognition to individuals whose wealth is suspected to be linked to financial crimes. He said churches should welcome people without using religious platforms to celebrate or promote questionable sources of wealth.

Responding to the EFCC chairman’s remarks, Adeboye reportedly assured him that the RCCG would not protect anyone found involved in financial wrongdoing.

The cleric also urged pastors and church workers to maintain proper financial records and ensure that their activities were free from corruption.

Olukoyede, who is also a senior pastor in the RCCG, said the fight against financial crimes must apply to everyone, irrespective of religious affiliation, position or influence.

He urged religious leaders to uphold transparency and accountability, warning that corruption within faith-based institutions could undermine public trust and the moral authority of religious organisations.