The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the commission investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before exonerating him.
Olukoyede made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
He explained that the probe was initiated following intelligence reports and petitions concerning unusual inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
According to him, the volume and international sources of the transactions raised red flags, prompting a detailed investigation by the anti-graft agency.
“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,” Olukoyede said.
He noted that investigators were directed to scrutinise the accounts and activities linked to the cleric, leading to a comprehensive review of financial records.
Following preliminary findings, Olukoyede said Eze was invited for questioning. However, after examining the evidence and engaging with him, the commission found no proof of wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens 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 added.
The statement drew applause from attendees, with Eze present at the event to receive the commendation.
Olukoyede emphasised that the EFCC’s mandate extends beyond investigating financial crimes to recognising individuals who demonstrate integrity. He added, however, that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary as part of its preventive strategy against corruption.
The EFCC chairman also expressed concern over the involvement of some religious leaders in fraudulent practices, noting that several clerics have been investigated and convicted.
He urged religious institutions to uphold transparency and integrity, stressing that places of worship should not serve as cover for illicit activities.
