EFCC uncovered religious sect laundering money for terrorists –  Chairman

…Reveals how sect laundering for terrorists used court to stop N13b probe

The nation’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed on  Wednesday that it has unearthed how a religious sect in the country is laundering money for terrorists.

The Chairman of the agency, Ola Olukoyede, also revealed that another religious body was found to be protecting a money launderer after some money suspected to have been laundered was traced to the organisation’s bank account.

The anti-graft boss who spoke  during a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, as well as the launch of the fraud risk assessment project for ministries, departments, and agencies stated that the EFCC was investigating a N13billon fraud case when it discovered that N7billion of the N13billion was linked to a religious body’s bank account.

He said  that religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies have been found culpable of money laundering, that  the religious organisation quickly obtained a restraining order to prevent the EFCC from probing its leaders.

The EFCC Chairman stated that the commission will not give up on the investigation as it is appealing the restraining order to recover the stolen funds.

The one-day event is aimed at addressing the challenges of youth involvement in cybercrimes and how religion could be used as a weapon for their reorientation.

The event, themed “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” featured the launch of the Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manual developed by the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee of the Commission as a resource to promote abhorrence for corruption among adherents of Islam and Christianity.

The EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies was also launched at the event,

The President, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, says contrary to insinuations in some quarters, majority of Nigerians uphold the human principles of integrity and diligence.

He has therefore, disapproved of the mislabelling and blanket stereotyping of Nigeria as a country with the highest prevalence of cybercrime and other forms of corrupt practices.

The Nigerian leader made the declaration in Abuja on Wednesday, at the opening of a dialogue, noting  that on the contrary, Nigerians are meticulous, authentic citizens who have been making significant contributions to innumerable fields of endeavours around the world.

He regretted that over the years, the entire Nigerian populace had been linked with internet crimes without statistical proof; a development he said is out of tune with the way of life of the typical Nigerian citizen.

“Over the decades, Nigerians have been victims of mislabeling. Such gross misrepresentation fails to reflect the true essence of our diverse and resilient nation. The association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace lacks statistical evidence and does not align with the sociology of everyday Nigerians.

“Our nation comprises hardworking, honest citizens who contribute significantly to various fields globally, from Artificial Intelligence to medicine.

“While we reject blanket stereotyping that undermines the majority upholding principles of integrity and diligence, we must face the fact that we function in an interconnected world where cybercrimes have evolved into a global phenomenon. This poses a threat not only to our nation but to the entire world,” the President stated.

The event also featured the Launch of Inter-Faith Manual and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Delivering his speech titled, “Youth, Religion, and Our Battle Against Corruption: A Call to Action,” the President applauded the EFCC “for remaining a moral compass, persistently rousing the nation’s conscience,” just as he said through its operations, the commission has remained vocal in “telling the world that Nigeria is neither complicit nor complacent in confronting the menace of corruption”.

Internet Crimes

Underscoring the urgency of combating internet crimes and neutralizing the threat caused by other forms of corruption head on, President Tinubu assured the anti-graft agency of the government’s support in its quest to combat the menace.

He said: “We must recognize that the Commission’s lawful efforts to bring fraudsters to book are imperative for the overall well-being of our society. The government is aware that our ambitious goal of eradicating internet offenses and corruption demands an atmosphere steeped in trust and integrity. We must foster open communication channels and ensure that law enforcement actions align with justice and accountability.”

Opportunities

The President also stressed the need to remind Nigerian youths that there are abundant opportunities for lawful enterprises, both within and outside the shores of the country.

This, he said, is the reason why the Nigerian government has taken steps to establish a Students Loan Board to address the financial needs of students.

“This initiative aims not only to alleviate financial burdens but also to disincentivize criminality by offering a tangible alternative. Our message to the youth is clear: the horizon is wide, and opportunities abound across various sectors.

“Seize these prospects, embark on lawful enterprises, and let your talents shine. The government encourages you to leverage these opportunities, exhibit your capabilities across all sectors, and contribute to the prosperity of our great nation,” he said.

Commendation

President Tinubu lauded efforts by the EFCC to tackle corruption through the Inter-Faith and Fraud Risk Assessment Projects, saying the “initiative recognizes the potential of religion as a tool for ethical reformation and underscores the importance of engaging diverse faith communities in our fight against corruption.

“Simultaneously, this initiative addresses vulnerabilities within government agencies and acknowledges the critical need to fortify these institutions against corrupt practices.

“Our nation is deeply rooted in religious values, and it is crucial to acknowledge that both Christianity and Islam vehemently condemn corruption. With these profound teachings in mind, I urge our revered religious leaders to demonstrate a pillar of guidance,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, said the launch of the interfaith manuals and the Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs are all geared towards engaging relevant and critical stakeholders in the reinvigorated anti-corruption fight in the country.

He said the prevalence of cybercrime and related activities involving youths is worrisome and necessitates the adoption of proactive measures by the commission under his watch.

The EFCC boss also spoke about the involvement of religious organisations in illicit activities, including money laundering and urged leaders across different groups to partner the commission by propagating messages that glorify the virtues of integrity, honesty and hard work.