Africa
By Benprince Ezeh
THE federal government says that it has uncovered 96 financiers of terrorist groups of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP.
Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture told a news conference on Thursday, February 3, in Abuja that “Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, in 2020-2021, revealed 96 financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.
“NFIU had intelligence exchanges on Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and others with 19 countries. During the same period, 2020-2021, the organization returned fraudulently-obtained funds totaling US$103,722,102.83, 3,000 Pound Sterling; 7,695 Singapore dollars, and 1,091 Euros to 11 countries of victims, who came into the country.”
According to him, about 123 companies and 33 Bureau de change were linked to terrorists in addition to 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators, who have now been identified.
“The analysis has resulted in the arrest of 45 suspects, who will soon face prosecution and seizure of assets. Also, from its analysis of tax evasion and tax avoidance linked to corruption, NFIU has identified N3,909,707,678,112.43 in VAT and N3,737,918,335,785.82 in withholding tax due to the government,” the minister said.
The minister, however, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Whistle-Blower policy had led to the recovery of N700 billion.
“The Whistle-blower Policy is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning. The policy is meant to encourage the voluntary disclosure of information about fraud, bribery, and looted government funds, including financial misconduct and any other form of corruption or theft.
“The Whistle Blower, whose information leads to recovery is entitled to 2.5 to 5% from the recovered funds. Information and tips received are usually referred to the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU for further painstaking investigation. The policy has helped in the cleansing of IPPIS, led to compliance on TSA, and enhanced the Procurement Act 2007.
“As of 2020, a total sum of N700 billion has been recovered through the Whistle-Blower Policy,” he said.
First published – FEB. 04, 2022 @ 11:20 GMT |
C.E
Tags: Boko Haram ISWAP Lai Mohammed NFIU
