EFCC Clears Pastor Jerry Eze of Money Laundering Allegations

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how the agency once investigated Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, over suspected money laundering before ultimately clearing him of any wrongdoing.

Olukoyede made the revelation on Wednesday at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.

He explained that the investigation was triggered after the Commission received intelligence reports and petitions regarding significant foreign currency inflows into a domiciliary account linked to the cleric.

According to him, the account drew the attention of investigators due to the pattern and volume of deposits, which were traced to multiple countries, including the United States, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Togo.

Olukoyede said he subsequently directed EFCC operatives to scrutinise the account and establish the legitimacy of the funds.

He noted that the Commission spent about six months reviewing financial records before inviting Pastor Eze for questioning.

The EFCC chairman further stated that by the time the cleric was eventually invited to his office, investigations had already been concluded and no evidence of criminal activity was found.

Olukoyede added that Pastor Eze clarified the nature of his activities, including his humanitarian work and the support he renders to individuals through his ministry and foundation.

Following a review of the findings, he said the EFCC exonerated the cleric and also commended him for his integrity.

He emphasised that the Commission has a responsibility not only to probe suspected financial crimes but also to acknowledge individuals who are found to have acted within the law.

However, Olukoyede cautioned that the EFCC would continue to monitor suspicious financial transactions as part of its preventive mandate.

He also expressed concern over the involvement of some religious leaders in financial misconduct, noting that the commission had previously investigated and secured convictions against certain clerics.

Olukoyede, therefore, urged religious institutions to maintain high ethical standards, stressing that places of worship must not be used as conduits for illicit financial activities.