by Passman Akpos
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the commission investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before eventually clearing him of any wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the revelation on Wednesday , April 29, 2026, while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to the EFCC boss, the investigation was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the anti-graft agency noticed massive inflows of foreign currencies into Pastor Jerry Eze’s domiciliary account from several countries, including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Togo.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of Streams of Joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
He explained that after investigators completed preliminary findings, Pastor Jerry Eze was invited for questioning. However, after reviewing the records and listening to the cleric’s explanation, the commission found no evidence of financial misconduct.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“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,” Olukoyede said.
His remarks drew applause from guests at the event, while Pastor Jerry Eze, who was present, acknowledged the commendation.
Olukoyede stressed that while the EFCC remains committed to investigating suspicious financial activities, it also has a responsibility to recognize individuals who operate with transparency and integrity.
He further lamented the involvement of some religious leaders in fraudulent practices, revealing that several clerics have been investigated and convicted by the commission.
He urged religious institutions across Nigeria to uphold righteousness and accountability, warning that places of worship must never become safe havens for illicit financial activities.
Observers noted that had the investigation produced a different outcome, it could have sparked widespread outrage, public criticism, and intensified negative stereotypes against Christian ministries across Nigeria and beyond.
The development has been widely seen as a strong reminder that integrity remains a non-negotiable pillar of credible ministry and leadership.
