There is more trouble for some stakeholders at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that it uncovered other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, World Bank loan and loot recovered from Abacha.
In a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale titled ‘Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry’, EFCC also clarified that investigations are still ongoing and the Commission has so far recovered N32.7 billion and $445,000 from the Ministry.
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“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 N32.7bn and $445,000 so far,” Oyewale said on Sunday.
Furthermore, the anti-graft agency said, “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.”
