The Ministry of Defence has warned Nigerians against associating the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, with any housing, investment or financial scheme being promoted to the public.
The ministry said fraudsters and unauthorised entities are using the minister’s name, official title and photographs to lend credibility to illegal schemes aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the ministry had become aware of a housing scheme requiring public subscriptions and payments, with the minister’s photograph being circulated in a WhatsApp group operated by the scheme’s promoters.
She stated that the minister is not associated with, affiliated to or involved in any housing scheme, investment programme or financial venture soliciting funds from the public.
According to her, any attempt to link the minister’s name or image to such activities is a deliberate falsehood intended to mislead and defraud Nigerians.
The ministry advised members of the public to exercise caution and disregard advertisements, promotional materials, online posts or solicitations featuring the minister’s name or photograph in connection with monetary schemes or housing programmes.
It also warned individuals and organisations involved in the unauthorised use of the minister’s identity that legal action would be taken against offenders.
The ministry said it would work with relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found using the minister’s name or image to obtain financial gains from members of the public.
It further urged Nigerians to report suspicious solicitations or schemes invoking the minister’s identity to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
