Diverting tithes, offerings, others to private businesses criminal offence – EFCC warns

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to religious leaders against diverting tithes, offerings, zakat and other religious funds into private businesses. During the 2026 Second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede emphasized that such actions are criminal offenses.

He advised religious institutions to establish regulatory compliance mechanisms to safeguard the funds entrusted to them. Olukoyede stressed that religious leaders must set an example in the fight against corruption, as their followers often emulate their behavior. He cautioned that when followers perceive no distinction between funds intended for religious purposes and the religious leaders' personal wealth, the entire community suffers.

Religious leaders should not engage in other vocations while mixing funds from their organizations' purses with their personal finances. The EFCC Chairman also criticized worship centers that celebrate unexplained wealth, stating that dedicating the proceeds of crime to public buildings is unacceptable.