The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the agency conducted a rigorous six-month investigation into Pastor Jerry Eze, the founder and lead pastor of Streams of Joy International. This revelation was made by Mr. Olukoyede on Wednesday at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony held in Abuja, where he confirmed that the cleric was probed over allegations of money laundering before ultimately being cleared of any wrongdoing.

According to Mr. Olukoyede, the extensive investigation was initiated following intelligence reports and multiple petitions received by the commission. A key trigger for the probe was the observation of significant and unusual inflows of foreign currencies into Pastor Eze’s domiciliary account. Dollars and pounds were noted to be dropping into the account “like raindrops” from various international locations including Colombia, America, Sri Lanka, and even Togo. The volume and diverse international origins of these transactions raised red flags within the anti-graft agency, prompting a full-scale forensic examination of the cleric’s financial activities.

Mr. Olukoyede recounted his personal involvement in the process, stating, “I investigated this man, (Jerry Eze), for six months, yes, for money laundering. We work by intelligence; we work by petitions.” He further explained that upon identifying the account holder as Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy, investigators were deployed to thoroughly scrutinize the accounts and financial records linked to both the church and its founder. The EFCC “combed through the books” to ensure a comprehensive review.

Following the compilation of preliminary findings, Pastor Eze was invited for questioning at the commission’s headquarters. Mr. Olukoyede noted that by the time the pastor honored the invitation, the EFCC had already concluded its internal investigation. Recalling their meeting, Olukoyede described how Eze attempted to explain the source of the funds and his activities, but the EFCC boss interjected. “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.’” This statement underscored that the investigation had validated the legitimacy of Pastor Eze's income and financial dealings.

Mr. Olukoyede emphasized that while many associate the EFCC primarily with dealing with criminals, the commission also has a preventive mandate and a responsibility to recognize and engage with individuals of proven integrity. He stated, “The EFCC should be identified with people who have integrity. We must drum them up, we must drum them up, and you are one of them.” He also mentioned that a letter of validation would be issued to Pastor Eze, though he would continue to monitor his finances as part of the agency’s ongoing vigilance.

However, Mr. Olukoyede also used the occasion to issue a stern warning to other religious leaders, lamenting the involvement of some pastors and imams in fraudulent practices. He revealed that several clerics were currently in EFCC custody, undergoing investigation for alleged money laundering and related offences, with many others already convicted for such crimes. He urged religious institutions to uphold integrity and accountability, asserting that places of worship should reflect righteousness rather than serve as cover for illicit financial activities. He wished for a change in perception, suggesting that churches and mosques be seen as “an assembly of righteous people, who have the spirit of God,” rather than merely institutions presided over by leaders who might engage in criminal acts.