The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the agency investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, over alleged money laundering before clearing him of wrongdoing.

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

He said the investigation was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions following unusual foreign currency inflows into the cleric’s domiciliary account, which reportedly included funds from multiple countries.

According to him, the EFCC launched a six-month investigation after noticing the pattern of transactions and sought to verify the source of the funds.

He explained that investigators thoroughly examined the account records and financial activities linked to the cleric before inviting him for questioning.

Olukoyede said Pastor Jerry Eze was later invited to the EFCC office, where he provided explanations on the nature of the funds and his activities.

After reviewing both the findings and the cleric’s explanation, the EFCC chairman said the commission concluded that there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

He added that the investigation was closed after the commission was satisfied that the transactions were legitimate.

Olukoyede noted that the EFCC operates based on intelligence and petitions, stressing that such investigations are routine in ensuring financial transparency.

He also acknowledged concerns about financial misconduct involving some religious figures, stating that the commission has investigated and prosecuted several cases involving clerics in the past.

However, he urged religious leaders to maintain integrity and ensure their platforms are not used for illicit financial activities.

The EFCC boss reiterated that while the agency will continue to investigate suspicious financial flows, it also has a responsibility to acknowledge when individuals are found to be innocent after due process.