EFCC Clears Pastor Jerry Eze of Money Laundering

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency investigated Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, for six months over allegations of money laundering.

Olukoyede made the revelation on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja. He said the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and multiple petitions received by the commission, particularly concerning large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.

According to the EFCC boss, suspicious transactions showed dollars and pounds entering the account from countries including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Togo.

“I never wanted to say it, but I just felt that’s my little way of making this contribution,” Olukoyede stated, adding that the commission acted on credible intelligence before commencing the investigation.

He narrated how investigators combed through relevant records and later invited the 43-year-old pastor, an alumnus of Abia State University and convener of the popular New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) on YouTube, for interaction.

When Pastor Eze honoured the invitation and attempted to explain the source of the funds, Olukoyede said he stopped him midway, revealing that the EFCC had already concluded its findings and found no wrongdoing.

The EFCC chairman recounted being initially surprised by Eze’s casual appearance but confirmed his identity upon closer look. He commended the pastor for generating legitimate income and for using it to support people.

Olukoyede emphasised that beyond prosecuting suspects, the EFCC also has a preventive mandate to identify and promote individuals of proven integrity. He described Pastor Jerry Eze as one such person and announced plans to issue him a letter of validation, while noting that the commission would continue to monitor his finances.

The development comes as religious leaders continue to face scrutiny in Nigeria, where several pastors and imams are currently in EFCC custody over alleged money laundering and related financial crimes.

Olukoyede expressed concern over the involvement of clerics in fraudulent practices, regretting that many use the church and mosque as cover instead of building assemblies of righteous people.

As NaijaChoice News observed at the event, the EFCC chairman’s public validation of Pastor Jerry Eze highlights a rare moment where the commission publicly acknowledges clean financial dealings amid its routine battles against economic crimes.

This disclosure underscores the need for greater transparency and integrity within Nigeria’s religious space while reinforcing the EFCC’s dual role of enforcement and prevention in the fight against corruption.