By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has alleged that officials managing government-funded Christian and Muslim pilgrimage programmes diverted nearly 75 per cent of the funds allocated for the exercise.

Olukoyede made the allegation in Abuja while speaking at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), where the EFCC also presented its Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual to religious organisations.

According to the EFCC chairman, the alleged diversion was uncovered during investigations into the activities of the agencies responsible for coordinating pilgrimages.

He described some of the findings from the investigations as disturbing, alleging that individuals entrusted with managing public funds for pilgrims diverted substantial portions of the money.

Olukoyede further alleged that some officials went as far as establishing private companies in countries visited by Nigerian pilgrims, a development he said could create serious conflicts of interest.

He urged religious leaders to uphold transparency and integrity, stressing that those who preach accountability should also ensure that funds entrusted to religious institutions are properly managed.

The EFCC chairman also warned pastors, imams and other religious leaders against combining institutional funds with their personal finances or private businesses.

He said donations, offerings, zakat and other funds belonging to religious organisations should remain separate from the personal resources of their leaders.

Olukoyede further called on religious institutions to establish effective financial controls that would clearly distinguish organisational funds from personal finances.

He also urged religious leaders to be cautious when receiving unusually large donations from public officials or other individuals, saying questions should be asked about the sources of such wealth where necessary.

According to him, accepting questionable funds without scrutiny could amount to providing moral legitimacy to proceeds allegedly derived from criminal activities.

The EFCC chairman said religious organisations had an important role to play in promoting ethical conduct and helping to strengthen the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The NIREC meeting was attended by prominent religious and government officials, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Daniel Okoh; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Akume, in his remarks, urged religious leaders to use their influence to speak against insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts and terrorism.