Alleged money laundering: We investigated Pastor Jerry Eze for six months but found nothing – EFCC chairman
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the commission conducted a six-month investigation into the founder of Streams of Joy International, Jerry Eze, over suspected money laundering allegations before ultimately clearing him.
Olukoyede made the statement on Wednesday during the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
He explained that the investigation was initiated following intelligence reports and formal petitions, after unusual large inflows of foreign currencies were noticed in the cleric’s domiciliary account.
He said, “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.
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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 never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
He added that after initial checks, Eze was invited for questioning, where he explained the sources and purpose of the funds, stating they were tied to his ministry activities and humanitarian support work.
“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, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The EFCC boss noted that his remarks were met with applause from attendees, with Eze present at the event acknowledging the outcome of the investigation.
He also emphasized that the commission recognizes individuals who are found to have acted properly after scrutiny, beyond its enforcement duties.
However, Olukoyede stressed that the EFCC will continue to monitor financial transactions where necessary, as part of its broader preventive strategy against corruption.
He further expressed concern about the involvement of some religious leaders in fraudulent activities, noting that several have faced investigation and prosecution in the past.
He urged religious bodies to maintain integrity and ensure that places of worship remain symbols of righteousness rather than being used for illicit financial dealings.
