N6b pension scam: EFCC accuses Oronsaye of employing diversionary tactics

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  has dismissed as false  reports that it is punishing former Head of Service of the Federation ,Mr Steve Oronsaye because of his support for the Financial Intelligence Agency bill, which is before the National Assembly. 'Nigerians are called on not to be taken in by the spirited attempts to divert attention from the determination of the EFCC to find out who stole over N6billion of poor pensioners' life savings and bring the culprits to justice. That is the issue, not NFIA,' spokesman of EFCC Wilson Uwujaren,  said in a statement.

He said, 'The EFCC is constrained to clarify that, contrary to the sponsored, misguided reports in the media the Commission is NOT after the former Head of Service, Mr. Steve Oronsaye over his perceived support for the Financial Intelligence Agency bill, currently before the National Assembly. 'Let it be made manifestly clear that the EFCC is a responsible and responsive law enforcement agency and has no scores whatsoever to settle with Mr. Oronsaye or any other person for that matter. 'The Commission wishes to state that it is not the place of interested parties outside the EFCC to determine whether or when an investigation is closed in a particular matter, as is being falsely projected in the sponsored media reports.'

According to Uwujaren ,  the pension scam investigation is an ongoing exercise and if anyone is mentioned as having played a role in it at whatever stage (as indeed Mr. Oronsaye is alleged to have done), he or she will be invited to shed more light on his/her alleged involvement (as indeed, Mr. Oronsaye has done).

The EFCC spokesman said that is the standard practice in the best tradition of law enforcement worldwide.

He said, 'It is a very lame and despicable attempt to beg the question by muddying up the waters or throwing the scent elsewhere as the hack reports have obviously been trying to do. Time does not run out on criminal investigation or prosecution and if fresh information is brought to the attention of the EFCC at any time on any matter the Commission is handling, we are duty bound to look into it. If investigations indict the former Head of Service as alleged, what will be the defence in court: that he is in support of the creation of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency?'