Fraudsters use EFCC boss’s name to extort suspects

The Economic and Financial Crimes has become alarmed after it discovered that unscrupulous persons are now using the name of the commission’s chairman  to milk unsuspecting and desperate family members of suspects in EFCC custody.

It was gathered that the fraudsters used to drop the name of the commission’s chairman, Ibrahim Magu, claiming that they have his permission to ask for payments to secure release of suspects under investigation.

Reacting to the incident, Magu said: “I have not mandated anybody to collect money on my behalf from any person or organisation. It is not in my character to do so otherwise I will not be in this office. I am contented with what I am paid at the end of the month.”

A source in the commission said: “Some unsuspecting members of the public have fallen victim of this scam and made huge payments to this syndicate.”

The Commission’s image maker, Wilson Uwujaren, warned members of the public to be wary of the activities of these fraudulent individuals.

According to him, these individuals have no relationship whatsoever with the EFCC chairman.

Magu further called on members of the public, especially relatives and friends of persons under investigation by the Commission to quickly report any person who approached them with a proposal to collect bribe on his behalf for the release of their loved ones, to the Commission.

His words: “Anyone caught trying to tarnish my hard earned reputation and integrity must be prepared to face the music. I have accounts in three banks and, on no account should anybody make lodgement into any of my accounts without my knowledge.”

In was further gathered that in recent weeks, there had been an upsurge in the activities of scammers who parade themselves as having links with leadership of the Commission and the capability to release suspects.

Some of the scam calls sent to members of the public across the country, conveyed the Commission’s purported readiness to “play ball, release suspects as long as reasonable settlement is arranged”.

Magu has promised that the Commission will discharge its duties, “guided solely by the fear of Almighty God, the overriding interest of our fatherland, Nigeria and the rule of law and not any pecuniary motive”.

Members of the public are advised to report calls from suspected scammers and forward the callers’ numbers to the EFCC via the following: info@efccnigeria.org, theeagle@efccnigeria.org.