The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that major fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot has been discovered at the ministry of humanitarian affairs.
This was contained in a statement credited to Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, who explained that the funds were disbursed by the federal government to the ministry with the aim of executing poverty alleviation programmes.
He said the commission’s recent investigation into dealings of the ministry has led to the recovery of ₦32.7 billion and $445,000
The EFCC mouthpiece further added that “suspended officials” of the ministry were linked to the fraudulent practice, saying those found wanting will not go scot-free and will be prosecuted according to the stipulated law.
“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 N32.7billion and $445,000 so far,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
Recall, suspended minister of humanitarian affairs, Betta Edu had denied any link to the recovered ₦30bn announced by the anti-graft commission.
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