Why I investigated Pastor Jerry Eze for alleged money laundering - EFCC chair
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the commission investigated Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, for six months
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the commission investigated Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him of any wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
He explained that the investigation was prompted by intelligence reports and petitions following large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account from several countries, including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Togo.
The EFCC boss said investigators thoroughly examined the pastor’s financial records.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars and pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
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“I said, "Who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing his name and 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.
According to him, he later invited Pastor Jerry Eze to his office for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled.
Upon reviewing the findings and listening to the cleric’s explanation, Olukoyede said the commission found no evidence of financial crimes.
Instead, he commended Pastor Eze for his integrity and philanthropic work.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happened, 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,” he stated.
The revelation drew applause from the audience, with Pastor Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledging the commendation.
Olukoyede noted that the EFCC has a duty not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals who demonstrate integrity.
He, however, warned that the commission would continue to monitor suspicious financial activities, stressing the importance of its preventive mandate in the fight against corruption.
The EFCC chairman also expressed concern over the involvement of some religious leaders in fraudulent practices.
He revealed that the commission has investigated and convicted several clerics and urged religious institutions to uphold high standards of integrity so that places of worship do not become covers for illicit activities.
