During a dialogue on ‘Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption’ in Abuja, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the anti-graft agency has uncovered a religious sect engaged in money laundering for terrorists.

Olukoyede also disclosed that the proceeds of a N7 billion fraud were traced to another religious organization.

Olukoyede highlighted that the EFCC has found various religious organizations, institutions, sects, and bodies involved in money laundering activities in the country. He mentioned a specific religious body that took the Commission to court in order to protect its leader after laundered money was traced to the organization’s bank account. The religious body obtained a court injunction restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, or prosecuting its leader.

However, Olukoyede did not disclose the names of the religious organizations involved.

He emphasized the determination of the EFCC to recover the stolen funds, despite the challenges faced. Olukoyede expressed his disappointment that the fight against corruption often involves religious leaders and traditional rulers.

He shared a specific case where over N30 billion was embezzled from Nigeria and the EFCC was able to trace N7 billion to a particular religious body. However, when the EFCC sent a letter to the leader of the organization, they received a restraining order preventing them from taking any action or recovering the money.