The head of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, says he is deeply worried about the rising number of pastors, imams, and other religious leaders involved in financial crimes.
Speaking at a meeting with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, Olukoyede revealed that many religious leaders are currently under investigation, while several others have already been convicted and are serving prison time.
He questioned why people accused of fraud are still allowed to hide behind sacred titles.
In fact, he suggested that it might be time to stop calling people "pastor" or "imam" altogether when they commit crimes, noting that even while in jail, many still hold onto these names.
He recalled a specific suspect who tried to use titles like "Reverend Dr. Bishop" to impress him, only for him to cut the man off and demand to know if he stole the money.
That suspect ended up facing five criminal charges.
Olukoyede urged religious leaders to live up to what they preach, emphasizing that true faith is shown through good character and honesty, not big titles.
He made it clear that being a religious figure will not protect anyone from the law, warning that the EFCC will treat anyone who steals public or private money as an enemy, regardless of their faith.