The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has urged religious leaders to use their pulpits and mosques to preach against corruption. He stated that faith communities can prevent corrupt practices before the EFCC becomes involved.
Ola Olukoyede made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the second 2026 Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders.
He said religious institutions have an extraordinary responsibility in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The influence of pastors and imams can go beyond the enforcement powers of the anti-graft agency.
Ola Olukoyede stated: “The EFCC can investigate a person’s conduct. Faith communities can influence that person’s character. We can prosecute fraud. Religious teaching can cultivate honesty.”
He continued: “We can confiscate illicit wealth. Churches and mosques can challenge the values that make society worship wealth without questioning its source. We can punish corruption after the event. Faith can help prevent it before it begins.”
The EFCC Chairman urged pastors and imams to use the newly launched manual to educate their followers on why corruption is heinous. He also called on them to challenge the pursuit of wealth without regard to its source.
Ola Olukoyede noted that the Commission has been engaging Christian and Muslim leaders through its interfaith framework to promote anti-corruption messages. He emphasised that no religion condones corruption and that financial crime has no religion, tribe or faith identity.