The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has warned Nigerians against allowing politicians to use their bank accounts or companies to launder money.
The commission warned that anyone, be it friends, associates or family members, who allows those regarded as politically- exposed persons (PEP) to use their bank accounts or companies to laundry money would be jailed.
The acting Executive Chairman, Abdulkarim Chukko stated this while speaking at a one-day workshop on effective reporting of economic and financial crimes.
The workshop, which was attended by journalists from print, electronics and online media, was held on Thursday at the EFCC Zonal Command Office, Iyaganku in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Chukkol, who spoke through the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command, Halima Mustapha Rufa’u, warned that friends and family members of politicians would be sent to prison if they allow their companies or bank accounts be used to launder proceeds of illegal activities.
Chukkol, in his address, said that under the Money Laundering Act, 2022, family members and close allies of politicians and public office holders, including top civil servants, are now classified as politically- exposed persons.
He said, “On this score, I would like the media to educate family members and friends of politicians and others holding political offices that they run the risk of going to jail if they allow their companies or bank accounts to be used to launder proceeds of illegal activities.
“Under the Money Laundering Act, 2022, family members and close allies of politicians and public office holders, including top civil servants, are now classified as politically exposed persons.”
