EFCC recovers N32.7bn, $445,000 stolen from Humanitarian Affairs Ministry

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has so far recovered N32.7billion and $445,000 stolen from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The commission, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale on Sunday said the EFCC had 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.

According to Oyewale, discreet investigations by the EFCC had 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,” Oyewale said.