Following different views and reports trailing the recovery of over N30 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) story from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the commission said the funds recovered were from long-term thorough investigations into the ministry as a whole.
EFCC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the investigation has yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.
Part of the statement read that 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 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,” Oyewale said.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed 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. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.”
The EFCC also said the investigation did not focus on individuals but on the ministry as a whole.
“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 statement added.
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,” Oyewale said.
He stressed that the commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira, saying 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 statement said.
The EFCC also pledged that it will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations while cautioning the public to be wary of violating the laws against the crime.