EFCC unveils multifaceted probes into humanitarian ministry’s alleged financial scandal
In a press release issued on April 14, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified and elaborated on its ongoing investigations into suspected financial misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
The EFCC’s investigation has already yielded substantial findings, including the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000 from past and suspended officials of the ministry. The agency’s discreet probe has uncovered a complex web of fraudulent activities, spanning funds related to COVID-19, World Bank loans, and Abacha’s recovered assets allocated for poverty alleviation initiatives.
According to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, the focus of these investigations is systemic, targeting not just individuals but the broader patterns of financial malfeasance within the ministry. Key banking institutions implicated in these transactions are also under scrutiny, with managing directors of implicated banks providing vital information to investigators.
Oyewale emphasized that no individuals have been exonerated yet, and investigations remain active and thorough. The EFCC is committed to holding all culpable parties accountable through prosecution.
Additionally, the EFCC highlighted its intensified efforts against currency abuse and dollarization, expressing gratitude for public support in reporting instances of Naira abuse. The agency has launched a Special Task Force specifically targeting currency abuse, though it clarified that videos predating its operations will not be pursued retroactively.
In a further development, the EFCC disclosed ongoing investigations into several public figures involved in Naira abuse, with some already cooperating with authorities. The agency stressed its unwavering commitment to enforcing the law impartially, signaling a robust stance against financial crimes regardless of the perpetrators’ status.
The EFCC’s statement underscores a significant escalation in efforts to combat financial misconduct within public institutions and among prominent figures, signaling a sustained push toward accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s governance.
