By Ado Oyeyemi
The Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission has urged Nigerians demanding a probe into the N135.6m reportedly distributed by the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Lawan, to All Progressives Congress officials in the state to submit formal petitions to the agency.
The anti-graft commission said it could not commence an investigation based solely on reactions circulating on social media, stressing that it acts only on verified complaints backed with facts.
The controversy followed widespread outrage over reports that the lawmaker shared millions of naira with APC executives in his constituency as part of Sallah celebrations ahead of Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said individuals or groups who believed any law had been violated should officially notify the commission.
He explained that the agency was open to examining the matter once a petition was properly filed.
Oyewale said, “Anybody who feels that he has contravened the law or is suspected to have contravened the law should write a petition to the EFCC and the commission will look into it.
“It is not enough to make commentaries on social media because the EFCC works with facts, not speculations.
“If anyone feels the commission should intervene, they should formally report the matter and we will examine it diligently.”
The issue gained public attention after an aide to the senator, Usman Alkali, disclosed in a Facebook post that Lawan distributed N135,650,000 to APC executives across Borno Central as Eid-el-Kabir gifts.
According to the post, the money was shared on Thursday among party officials within the senatorial district to support preparations for the festive season.
Alkali stated that the senator had made similar donations on three occasions since joining the National Assembly.
He added that the gesture was aimed at rewarding party executives for their loyalty and contributions toward sustaining democratic values in the constituency.
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However, the development triggered criticism online, with several Nigerians calling on the EFCC to investigate the source and legality of the cash distribution amid allegations of possible money laundering.
