By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The Ministry of Defence has warned Nigerians against fraudulent housing schemes using the name and photograph of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, to solicit money from members of the public.
The warning was contained in a disclaimer issued by the Office of the Minister following reports of a housing scheme requiring public subscription and payments, with the Minister’s photograph displayed in a WhatsApp group belonging to the promoters.
The Ministry stated categorically that General Musa had no association or involvement with any housing scheme, investment programme or financial venture soliciting funds or participation from the public.
It described the unauthorised use of his name, official title and photographs to promote such activities as a deliberate attempt to deceive and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
The public was advised to exercise extreme caution and disregard advertisements, promotional materials, online posts and other solicitations featuring the Minister’s name or photograph in connection with housing projects or monetary schemes.
The Ministry also warned those behind the schemes that the Office of the Minister would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone found exploiting his identity for financial gain.
It further stated that relevant security agencies would be involved to ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals, groups or organisations using the Minister’s identity to defraud members of the public.
The disclaimer, signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, urged Nigerians to report suspicious solicitations and fraudulent schemes invoking the Minister’s name to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
