EFCC Clears Pastor Jerry Eze After 6-Month Investigation

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has shared details about the six-month investigation into Pastor Jerry Eze, the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International.

The investigation focused on allegations of money laundering linked to large deposits made into one of his domiciliary accounts.

The EFCC’s investigation began after the agency observed unusual transactions in the account, where dollars and pounds were reportedly being deposited from various countries, including the United States, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and even Togo. Olukoyede explained that the agency initiated the investigation based on intelligence reports and petitions.

During his speech at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, April 29, Olukoyede expressed his initial surprise at the scale of the financial activity.

“I will embarrass you today. I didn’t want to talk about it, but I feel it’s my small way of contributing,” Olukoyede said, adding, “We investigated this man for six months for money laundering.”

He explained that although he had heard of Pastor Eze before, he had not been concerned with his activities, given his role as a pastor. However, the continuous large-scale deposits raised alarms within the EFCC. “I said, ‘Who is this man? Yes, I had heard of him and seen his face a few times, but I didn’t concern myself with what he was doing. He’s a pastor,’” Olukoyede remarked.

Following the investigation, the EFCC eventually invited Pastor Eze for a meeting. Olukoyede clarified that the purpose of the meeting was not to question the pastor but to commend him for his efforts.

“After we completed our investigation, we invited him and he explained how the money came in, how he has been using the funds, and how he has been helping people,” Olukoyede said. “I told him, ‘I didn’t call you here to explain anything to me. We’ve already done our work. I called you here to commend you.'”

The EFCC’s investigation into Pastor Eze’s financial activities ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing, and the matter was closed without charges being brought. This case highlights the EFCC’s commitment to investigating suspicious financial activities while also recognising the importance of supporting legitimate charitable work.