The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the commission investigated Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him of any wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the investigation was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission detected significant inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops—from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo,” he said.
The EFCC chairman explained that the unusual transaction pattern prompted the commission to launch a full-scale probe into the pastor’s financial records.
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“I said, who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I knew he was a pastor. So they said this one pastor of Streams of Joy, go and investigate him. So we went into the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede added.
He disclosed that following preliminary findings, Eze was invited for questioning. However, after reviewing the results of the investigation, the commission found no evidence of financial misconduct.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people. I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The revelation drew applause from attendees at the event, with Eze, who was present, acknowledging the commendation.
Olukoyede emphasised that the EFCC’s mandate goes beyond investigating financial crimes to also recognising individuals who demonstrate integrity in their dealings.
However, he reiterated that the commission would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive role remains vital in the fight against corruption.
The EFCC boss also expressed concern over the involvement of some religious leaders in fraudulent practices, noting that several clerics have been investigated and convicted in the past.
He urged religious institutions to uphold transparency and integrity, adding that places of worship should reflect righteousness rather than serve as cover for illicit activities.
