EFCC To Prosecute Whistleblowers Who Provide False Information

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it will prosecute whistleblowers who mislead the agency through false information.

This warning was contained in a statement released on Friday, March 19 and signed by the spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren.

Recall that the whistleblower policy is an anti-corruption programme that was launched in December 2016. It encourages individuals to report cases of financial mismanagement or stolen funds.

According to the EFCC chairman, despite due diligence by the EFCC, scarce investigative resources have been wasted by the agency in following up false leads.

He said the activities of false whistle blowers “detract from the noble intendment of the Whistblower Policy of the Federal Government which seeks to incentivise information leading to the recovery of stolen wealth”.

The EFCC chairman vowed that the agency will not hesitate to prosecute any whistle blower who willfully provides the agency with false information.

He said the commission will continue to work with genuine whistleblowers to recover assets and other stolen funds.

Bawa advised genuine informants to be cautious and ensure that they have accurate information before engaging with the agency.

He added that the directorate of intelligence, which was recently created, will henceforth ensure that all information received by the EFCC is subjected to rigorous due diligence before action is taken.