EFCC gives update on investigation of fraud at Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

• The agency said its investigation into the sharp practices at the ministry had led to the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says investigations into fraudulent activities and financial impropriety at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development are still ongoing.

This is even as the anti-graft agency refuted reports that it has cleared some persons believed to be involved in financial misappropriation at the ministry.

The agency said its investigation into the sharp practices at the ministry had led to the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000.

It made this known in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, tagged ‘Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry’.

Oyewale, who did not mention any name, said the Commission issued the statement due to insinuations that some persons have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the course of the investigation.

The spokesperson, who stressed that the investigations were not targeted at any person, noted, “At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000, so far.

“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.

“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.”