The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims of clearing individuals implicated in financial misappropriations at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. In a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale titled ‘Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry,’ the anti-graft agency emphasized that investigations are ongoing. So far, the Commission has recovered a total of N32.7 billion and $445,000 from the Ministry.

Oyewale clarified that the investigations are focused on financial malfeasance within the Ministry, rather than targeting specific individuals. Past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry have been summoned for questioning, leading to the recovery of significant sums of money. Additionally, the EFCC’s discreet investigations have uncovered fraudulent activities related to Covid-19 funds, the World Bank loan, and the Abacha recovered loot allocated to the Ministry by the Federal Government for poverty alleviation initiatives.

The EFCC’s statement comes in response to mounting speculations and insinuations regarding the exoneration of certain individuals during the investigation process. It is crucial to note that the Commission remains committed to upholding integrity and transparency in its pursuit of justice.