Abuja — The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has made a shocking allegation that some religious groups in Nigeria are more corrupt than public officials.
Speaking at a leadership conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) over the weekend, Olukoyede claimed that the EFCC has recovered millions of naira from a religious organization recently.
He said, "I want to plead to those of us who are religious leaders to use our podiums not only to preach but also to demonstrate (good character). Some religious organisations are more corrupt than public offices. I have evidence towards that. If you're not accountable as a religious person and you expect a public official to be...
"They appointed you a pastor, and that is when you become a big man. We don't even know what you are doing to earn a legitimate living. You live on the ministry and the church or mosque money. You can't even explain the source of your wealth. Just this last week, I have had cause to recover how many millions from a religious organisation.
"You look at the speckle in someone else's eyes, but meanwhile, there is a log in yours. We preach these things on the altar but under our nose, these things happen, and sometimes we try to cover up."
Olukoyede's allegation came barely a month after the EFCC announced that it had uncovered a religious sect laundering money for terrorists in Nigeria.
