Stop Using Magu’s Name To Extort People – Efcc Warns

BEVERLY HILLS, May 19, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned persons dropping the name of its Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, and claiming that they have his permission to ask for payments to secure the release of suspects under investigation by the Commission to desist or face prosecution.

This was contained in a statement released by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, who revealed that some unsuspecting members of the public have fallen victim of this scam and made huge payments to this syndicate.

The Commission warned the public to be wary of the activities of these fraudulent individuals who have no relationship whatsoever with Magu and the EFCC.

“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,” the statement quoted Magu.

“In recent weeks, there has 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.

“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.”

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

“The public are advised to report calls from suspected scammers and forward the callers' numbers to the EFCC via the following: [email protected], [email protected]. The Commission could also be reached on the folowing hotlines: 09-9044571, 09-9044572, 09-9044573.”