The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has recounted an unusual encounter involving Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, during an investigation into the ministry’s financial activities........…
Speaking in a viral interview clip shared by Channels Television, Olukoyede said he initially failed to recognize the cleric when he arrived at his office .... for an official engagement linked to the probe.
In his words, “When Pastor Jerry entered my office, I didn’t recognize him because he was wearing a T-shirt and big trousers,” Olukoyede said.
According to the EFCC chairman, the meeting .... took place after a months-long investigation into financial transactions connected to the ministry, which reportedly included large inflows of foreign currencies such as dollars and pounds.
He explained that the commission had spent about six months reviewing the financial records before inviting the pastor for clarification as part of standard investigative procedures.
Olukoyede said that when the visit eventually took place, his expectations were shaped by the public profile of the cleric, leading him to anticipate a more formal appearance. However, the reality was different from what he had imagined.
He described the moment as surprising, noting that the man who walked into his office was dressed casually in a T-shirt, oversized trousers, and simple accessories that did not match the image he had formed of a well-known religious figure.
According to him, the appearance led to initial confusion, and he briefly assumed that the visitor might have been an aide or representative sent ahead of the actual meeting.
“I actually thought he was an assistant and wanted to ask him to go and call the pastor,” he said, recalling his initial reaction.
Olukoyede added that it was only .... after closer observation that he realized the individual before him was indeed Jerry Eze. He said the discovery immediately changed the tone of his perception and the way he approached the meeting.
The EFCC chairman noted that the encounter challenged certain assumptions about public figures and how they are perceived based on reputation rather than personal interaction.
He further explained that the investigation into the ministry’s finances was part of routine oversight aimed at ensuring transparency in financial transactions, especially where large international inflows are involved.
According to him, the review process did not find any evidence of wrongdoing, and the funds were eventually linked to legitimate religious and humanitarian activities.
The EFCC boss emphasized that the commission’s responsibility is to follow due process regardless of the profile of individuals involved, stressing that investigations are guided strictly by evidence.…READ / MORE…
