Bawa to journalists: Investigate NGOs operating in north-east to expose corruption

Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has asked journalists to investigate the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the north-east.

Bawa spoke in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, on Thursday at the EFCC reporting workshop for journalists.

He said Aisha Wakili, also known as Mama Boko Haram, was convicted for using her NGO for fraudulent purposes.

The EFCC boss who was represented by Oshodi Johnson, Maiduguri zonal commander, said journalists have the responsibility to investigate and unearth such fraudulent activities so the perpetrators can be brought to book.

He added that the commission can only do more with the support of the media in exposing corruption.

“No agency in Nigeria can boast of the record of EFCC in these areas, but I am confident that with the support of the media, more can still be achieved,” he said.

“Part of our objectives today is to acquaint you with the important provisions of these laws and how they can be applied to check money laundering activities and financing of terrorism. We are in a region that has borne the brunt of terrorism activities.

“The question which many of us have asked and which should engage our minds today is who are the financiers of the various terrorist groups.

“The woman known as Mama Boko Haram was convicted for using her NGO for fraudulent purposes. The ordeal in the Northeast must not be allowed to be exploited for pecuniary gains.

“Journalists have duties to investigate whether an NGO operating in the Northeast has complied with relevant laws,’’ he said.

He said the journalists would be trained in areas of concern including the fight against corruption, particularly money laundering and terrorism financing.

He added that the workshop was also intended to build synergy between the media and the commission in the fight against corruption.