By Gurara Accord
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has disowned a housing scheme soliciting public subscriptions and payments using his name and photograph, warning Nigerians against falling victim to potential fraud.
The Ministry of Defence, in a statement issued by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, said the Office of the Honourable Minister had received reports of the unauthorised use of his name, official title and photographs by individuals and entities seeking to legitimise fraudulent schemes.
The statement specifically raised concerns about a housing scheme promoted through a WhatsApp group, where the minister’s photograph was allegedly being used to attract public participation and payments.
It stressed that General Musa had no association, affiliation or involvement with any housing scheme, investment programme or financial venture soliciting funds from members of the public.
“Any attempt to associate his name or image with such activities is a deliberate falsehood designed to deceive and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” the statement said.
The ministry urged members of the public to exercise caution and disregard advertisements, promotional materials, online posts and other solicitations featuring the minister’s name or photograph in connection with housing projects or financial schemes.
It also warned individuals, groups and organisations against exploiting the minister’s identity for financial gain.
According to the statement, the minister’s office would not hesitate to initiate legal action and involve security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found using his identity or image to deceive members of the public.
The ministry further advised Nigerians to report suspicious solicitations and schemes invoking the minister’s name to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The statement reiterated that the minister’s name and official position must not be used to lend credibility to unauthorised financial ventures or mislead unsuspecting citizens.
