Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said the agency investigated Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, for six months over alleged money laundering but found no wrongdoing.
Olukoyede spoke on Wednesday at the Jerry Eze Business Grant award ceremony.
He said the probe followed intelligence reports and petitions about large inflows into Eze’s accounts.
“At some point, we saw dollars and pounds dropping in from different countries. We said, who is this man?” he said.
The EFCC chair said the agency reviewed Eze’s financial records and traced the transactions.
He added that investigators later invited the cleric for questioning.
“I called him to my office. By then, we had done our work,” he said.
According to him, the investigation found no evidence of criminal activity.
“I didn’t call him to explain. I called him to commend him,” he said.
Olukoyede said the funds were linked to legitimate activities, including humanitarian support.
He added that the commission has a duty not only to prosecute offenders but also to recognise individuals with integrity.
“EFCC should also be identified with people who have integrity. We must celebrate them,” he said.
He, however, said the commission will continue to monitor financial activities as part of its mandate.
“I will still continue to monitor your finances,” he added.
