The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it traced a sum of N7 billion suspected to be proceeds of money laundering for terrorists to a Nigerian church.
The revelation was made by EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede on Wednesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during a one-day dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption.”
Olukoyede stated that some religious organizations, institutions, sects, and bodies in the country were aiding and abetting fraudsters and terrorists.
The chairman explained that the commission uncovered the N7 billion link while investigating a N13 billion fraud. He did not disclose the identity of the religious organization involved, but a source within the anti-agency revealed that it was a church.
In the course of the investigation, the EFCC faced legal challenges as the religious organization obtained a restraining order, preventing further scrutiny into the matter.
Olukoyede expressed concern about the rising incidence of financial crimes and corruption despite the commission’s efforts, calling for a change in strategy.
He highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of the anti-graft strategy, focusing on prevention in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Olukoyede emphasized the importance of addressing youth involvement in cybercrimes and the susceptibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to grand corruption.
In urging religious and faith leaders to play a role in reducing corruption, the EFCC boss appealed for messages that promote contentment and discourage corrupt practices among their members.
