Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disclosed that the anti-graft agency has uncovered a religious sect in Nigeria involved in laundering money for terrorists. During a public engagement focused on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, Olukoyede mentioned that another religious body was found protecting a money launderer after tracing suspicious funds to the organization’s bank account.
While investigating a N13 billion fraud case, the EFCC discovered that N7 billion of the amount was linked to a religious body’s bank account. Olukoyede emphasized that religious organizations, institutions, sects, and bodies have been implicated in money laundering. Despite facing a restraining order obtained by a religious organization to halt the investigation, Olukoyede stated that the EFCC is appealing the order to recover the stolen funds.
Since Olukoyede assumed office as the EFCC Chairman three months ago, the commission has secured 747 convictions, primarily for Internet-related offenses. The chairman expressed concern over the high number of convictions related to cybercrimes and highlighted the need for reorientation among the youth, addressing the challenges associated with their involvement in such activities.
The event, titled “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” included the launch of the Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manual developed by the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee. This manual serves as a resource to promote a strong stance against corruption among Islam and Christianity adherents. Additionally, the EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was inaugurated during the event.
