Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced new developments in its investigation into alleged fraudulent practices in the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.
Spokesman for the commission, Mr. Dele Oyewale, made the clarification in a new statement made available on Sunday, April 14th. Mr. Oyewale said past and suspended officials of the humanitarian ministry were invited by the commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of ₦32.7billion and $445,000 so far.
He further explained that “discreet investigations” by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the world bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the ministry by the federal government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.
The EFCC said its investigation has never been about individuals but a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices.
The statement read, “Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far. Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance. It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.”
The spokesman also attempted to clarify news making rounds about the arrest, arraignment of popular cross-dresser, Bobrisky, and allegations of selected prosecution saying “the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted. At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”
