The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the agency investigated Jerry Eze for six months over suspected money laundering but found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja, explaining that the probe was initiated following intelligence reports and petitions linked to unusual foreign currency inflows into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
According to the EFCC boss, investigators became suspicious after observing large volumes of funds—ranging from dollars to pounds—entering the account from multiple countries, including Colombia, the United States and Sri Lanka.
He said the commission carried out a detailed review of the financial records and later invited the cleric for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled.
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However, Olukoyede noted that the investigation ultimately cleared the founder of Streams of Joy International, stating that no criminal activity was established after reviewing the evidence and engaging the pastor.
“I didn’t call you to explain… we had already done our work. I called you to commend you,” the EFCC chairman said, indicating that the agency found the source and use of the funds to be legitimate.
He reiterated that the commission acts on intelligence and petitions in carrying out its mandate, stressing that while it remains committed to tackling financial crimes, it also recognises individuals found to have acted with integrity.
Olukoyede further urged religious institutions to uphold transparency and accountability, warning that places of worship should not be used as cover for illicit financial activities.
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