The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the agency once investigated Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, over alleged fraud.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja, Olukoyede disclosed that the probe lasted six months and focused on suspected money laundering before the cleric was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.
According to him, the investigation was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions highlighting unusual inflows of foreign currencies into Eze’s domiciliary account.
“We act based on intelligence and petitions. At a point, we noticed an account receiving heavy inflows—dollars and pounds coming in from countries like Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Togo,” he explained.
Olukoyede said the discovery prompted the commission to dig deeper into the activities of the pastor, despite having only limited prior knowledge about him.
He added that after a thorough review of financial records and further engagement with Eze, the EFCC found no evidence linking him to fraud.
“When he came to my office, he explained the nature of his work, how the funds were generated, and his humanitarian efforts. But by then, we had already completed our investigation. I simply invited him to commend him,” he said.
The statement drew applause from attendees at the event, with Eze acknowledging the recognition.
Olukoyede noted that beyond investigating financial crimes, the EFCC also recognises individuals who demonstrate transparency and integrity. However, he stressed that the commission will continue to monitor financial activities where necessary as part of its preventive mandate.
He also raised concerns about fraudulent practices among some religious leaders, revealing that several clerics have been investigated and convicted. He urged faith-based organisations to uphold integrity and ensure places of worship are not used as fronts for illicit activities.