LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its investigation has led to the discoveries of COVID-19 funds, World Bank loans, and late General Sani Abacha’s recovered loot in the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
In a statement sent to voiceofnaija.ng, the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the funds were released to the ministry by the federal government to execute poverty alleviation programmes.
The statement also disclosed that the commission recovered N32.7billion and $445,000 from the ministry.
According to the EFCC, the ongoing probe has linked a lot of officials in the ministry, including those interdicted and suspended.
The statement further stressed 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,” it stated.
The commission urged the public to ignore claims that it has cleared some people noting that they are false.
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“The anti-graft agency has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud as investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily,” it stressed.
Naira Abuse
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 said it 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,” it stated.