April 15, (THEWILL) – Indicts Ex-Ministers Edu, Farouk, Others • Uncovers Fraud in Deployment of Covid-19 Funds, WB Relief Loan, Abacha Loot
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has recovered N32.7 billion and $445.000 million so far from the ongoing probe into alleged fraud at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development even as it maintained that none of those being investigated has been cleared.
Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, who made the disclosure on Sunday, said the ongoing investigation covers past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry who were invited by the Commission.
“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,* he said.
He also addressed the general public concern over 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.
He said 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,” he said.
Addressing the issue of Naira abuse, Oyewale said, ” 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.”
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