The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the agency conducted a six-month investigation into popular cleric Jerry Eze over allegations of money laundering but found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Olukoyede made the revelation in Abuja while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award, an event organised to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
According to the EFCC chairman, the investigation was initiated following intelligence reports and petitions that raised concerns over financial transactions linked to the cleric. He explained that the probe focused on accounts reportedly receiving large inflows of foreign currencies from multiple countries.
“I investigated Pastor Jerry Eze for six months over alleged money laundering. We act based on intelligence and petitions,” Olukoyede said.
He disclosed that the transactions under scrutiny involved inflows in dollars and pounds from countries including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Togo. Despite the volume and international nature of the transactions, he said the agency’s findings did not reveal any irregularities or suspicious activity.
“After our investigation, we found nothing suspicious,” he stated, effectively clearing the pastor of the allegations.
The EFCC boss used the occasion to reflect more broadly on integrity within religious institutions, expressing concern about the involvement of some clerics in fraudulent activities. He noted that several religious leaders across different faiths are currently under investigation or have been convicted for financial crimes.
“Sometimes I wish we could change the terms ‘church’ and ‘mosque’ and instead adopt the idea of an assembly of righteous people filled with the spirit of God,” he said.
“In churches, you have bishops, and in mosques, you have imams. I can tell you that many of them are currently in our custody, while several others have been convicted for fraudulent practices. It is quite unfortunate,” Olukoyede added.
His remarks underscored the EFCC’s continued focus on tackling financial crimes across all sectors, including religious organisations, while also highlighting the importance of evidence-based investigations.
The disclosure of the probe into Jerry Eze—who is the lead pastor of Streams of Joy International and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD)—has drawn public attention, given his large following and influence within Nigeria and beyond.
Observers note that the EFCC’s decision to publicly clarify the outcome of the investigation may help dispel speculation and reinforce confidence in the agency’s processes. It also highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals and organisations in relation to financial transparency.
The Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award event, where the revelation was made, was attended by various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and public officials. The initiative is aimed at empowering individuals through financial support and capacity development.
Analysts say the development reflects a broader effort by anti-corruption agencies to maintain accountability while avoiding premature conclusions in high-profile cases. The EFCC chairman’s comments suggest that investigations are guided by due process and that individuals are cleared where no evidence is found.
For many observers, the case also raises ongoing discussions about financial flows within religious organisations, especially those with international reach, and the need for proper oversight mechanisms.
With the EFCC reiterating its commitment to following evidence, the outcome of the probe into Jerry Eze serves as a reminder that allegations alone do not constitute guilt, and that thorough investigations remain essential in establishing the facts.
