The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency conducted a six-month investigation into the founder of Streams of Joy International, Jerry Eze, over suspected money laundering before finding no evidence of wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the revelation on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was initiated following intelligence reports and petitions that drew attention to significant inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
He explained that investigators flagged transactions involving multiple international sources, prompting the commission to take a closer look.
“We observed consistent inflows—dollars and pounds—from countries including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka and Togo,” Olukoyede said, noting that the unusual volume of transactions raised initial concerns.
The EFCC boss stated that a detailed review of financial records was carried out, after which Pastor Eze was invited for questioning.
However, he said the outcome of the investigation showed no infractions.
“By the time he came in, we had already completed our findings. I told him he was invited not for interrogation but to be commended,” Olukoyede added.
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The disclosure drew applause from attendees at the event, where Pastor Eze was present and acknowledged the remarks.
Olukoyede emphasised that while the commission remains committed to investigating suspicious financial activities, it also has a duty to recognise individuals who operate within the bounds of the law.
He reiterated that the EFCC would continue to monitor financial flows where necessary as part of its preventive mandate against corruption.
At the same time, the EFCC chairman raised concerns over unethical practices among some religious leaders, revealing that several clerics have been investigated and convicted for fraud-related offences.
He urged religious institutions across the country to uphold transparency and integrity, stressing that places of worship must not be used as fronts for illicit financial activities.