EFCC cleared Pastor Jerry Eze after six-month probe — Olukoyede

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the agency investigated Jerry Eze for six months over suspected money laundering but found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Speaking at a public event in Abuja, Olukoyede said the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions linked to unusually large foreign currency inflows into the cleric’s domiciliary accounts.

According to him, the volume and international spread of the transactions, reportedly coming from multiple countries, raised red flags and prompted a full-scale investigation by the commission.

He explained that EFCC investigators carried out a detailed review of financial records and subsequently invited the pastor for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled. However, the outcome of the probe, he said, showed that the funds were legitimate.

Olukoyede noted that rather than confront Eze with allegations, the agency had already concluded its review before the meeting and used the opportunity to acknowledge the findings.

The EFCC boss added that the case reflects the commission’s approach of acting on credible intelligence while also being willing to publicly clear individuals once investigations show no criminal conduct.

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He also used the occasion to caution religious organisations, stressing the need for transparency and accountability. According to him, places of worship should not be used as fronts for illicit financial activity, even as legitimate operations must be able to withstand scrutiny.

The comments come amid increased regulatory attention on financial flows linked to religious and non-profit organisations, particularly those receiving large international donations.