Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, has expressed concern about the activities of supposed whistleblowers who mislead the agency through false information.
Its Executive Chairman, Abdurasheed Bawa, said despite due diligence by the EFCC, scarce investigative resources have been wasted by the agency in following up false leads that frequently come to a dead end.
He said the activities of false whistleblowers detract from the noble intendment of the Whistleblower Policy of the Federal Government which seeks to incentivize information leading to the recovery of stolen wealth.
Noting that the Whistleblower Policy was not designed as a tool for unscrupulous citizens to send law enforcement agencies on wild goose chase or set them against their perceived enemies, he vowed that the EFCC will not hesitate to prosecute any whistleblower who willfully provides the agency with false information.
He, however, reiterated the Commission’s preparedness to work with genuine whistleblowers and acknowledged the breakthroughs which the EFCC recorded in its assets recovery drive, using information supplied by whistleblowers.
He advised genuine informants to be cautious and ensure that they have accurate information before engaging with the agency.
Bawa assured 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.
Meanwhile, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested 18 suspected Internet fraudsters in Ogun State.
The suspects are: Ibrahim Oreniyi Atolani, Tijani Faruk Ayobami, Yisa Ademola Ibrahim, Olukoya Aliu Temidayo, Sulaimon Sharafdeen Adebayo, Adebayo Abiodun Mustapha, Lateef Aremo Shina, Ali Mukit Olamilekan and Tajudeen Taiwo Hassan.
Others are: Aina Ayomide Oluwapelumi, Adetola Yusuf Omogbolahan, Adekoya Ibrahim Olamilekan, Oreniyi Sulaimon Olalekan, Tiamiyu Olamide Babatunde, Ojetola Michael Timileyin and Ajetunmobi Bariu Toyosi.
They were arrested at Remo Majestic Hotel, Shagamu, Ogun State during an operation by Operatives of the EFCC.
Items recovered from the suspects include exotic cars, mobile phones, laptop computers, Wi-Fi, and modem devices.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.