The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency has exposed a religious sect in Nigeria engaged in money laundering for terrorists. During a public engagement addressing youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, Olukoyede revealed that another religious organization was discovered to be shielding a money launderer, with traced funds pointing to the organization's bank account.
In the course of investigating a N13 billion fraud case, the EFCC uncovered a link of N7 billion to a religious body's bank account. Olukoyede emphasized that various religious entities, including organizations, institutions, sects, and bodies, have been implicated in money laundering activities.
Specifically, he stated, "A religious sect in this country had been found to be laundering money for terrorists." Despite the discovery, the religious organization swiftly obtained a restraining order to halt the EFCC's investigation into its leaders. Olukoyede mentioned the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to appeal the restraining order, emphasizing their commitment to recovering the embezzled funds.
The event, titled "Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption," focused on addressing challenges related to youth involvement in cybercrimes and exploring the potential of religion as a tool for reorienting the youth. Additionally, the Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manual, developed by the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee of the Commission, was launched as a resource to instill a strong aversion to corruption among followers of Islam and Christianity. The EFCC's Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was also introduced during the event.
