EFCC Opens Fresh Can Of Worms In Humanitarian Ministry, Investigating Celebrities On Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has discovered fresh unwholesome practices in the application of some funds released to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
These are Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, and the recovered Abacha that were released to the Ministry for disbursement to internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and victims of other Crises.
The anti-graft commission, in a statement signed on Sunday evening by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale also noted that several celebrities are currently under investigation regarding abuse of the Naira, warning that whoever is found guilty will be made to face the wrath of law.
Oyewale who noted that the commission discovered fresh fraudulent dealings and misappropriation of the above mentioned funds released to the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development ministry, stated the ongoing investigation in the ministry is not limited to an individual as its scope covers the entire system, including banks, adding that anyone found guilty will not go scot-free.
“The 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 N32.7 billion 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”, the statement reads.
He further stressed that; “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.”
Clearing air on issues bordering on the abuse of naira, the commission appreciated the public awakening on the matter, it however said only those found guilty after the Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy, which commenced operations on February 7, 2024 will be prosecuted.
Oyewale added that many celebrities are currently under investigation and whoever is found guilty will be made to face the wrath of law.
“On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.
“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.
“To this end, 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,” Oyewale said.