FRAUD: EFCC Denies Exonerating Anyone
… Says N32.7bn, $445,000 Recovered From Humanitarian Ministry
AfriqueCAN: NONE of the people involved in financial misappropriation at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has been exonerated, contrary to reports making rounds www.AfriqueCAN.com
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – EFCC, in a statement, dismissed insinuations that some persons under investigations have been cleared.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in the statement tagged ‘Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of the Humanitarian Ministry’, said that investigations are still ongoing.
According to him, the anti graft agency has recovered N32.7 billion and $445,000 from the Ministry, so far.
He also stressed that the investigations were not targeted at any person.
“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, and Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.’’ part of the statement reads.
“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.”