Defence Minister Disowns Fake Housing Scheme, Warns Fraudsters

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has disassociated himself from a housing scheme and other financial ventures allegedly using his name, official title and photographs to solicit money from unsuspecting Nigerians.

The Minister’s office, in a disclaimer, warned members of the public against subscribing to or making payments to any housing scheme, investment programme or financial venture claiming to be associated with him.

The statement was signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence.

According to the statement, the Office of the Minister had become aware of the unauthorised use of the Minister’s identity by individuals and entities seeking to lend credibility to fraudulent schemes.

It specifically raised concerns over a housing scheme reportedly promoted through a WhatsApp group, where the Minister’s photograph was allegedly used to encourage public subscription and payments.

The statement stressed that General Musa was not associated with, affiliated with or involved in any housing scheme, investment programme or financial venture soliciting funds or participation from the public.

It described attempts to link the Minister to such ventures as deliberate misrepresentations intended to deceive and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The office 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 monetary schemes or housing projects.

It also warned individuals, groups and organisations involved in the unauthorised use of the Minister’s identity that the office would not hesitate to initiate legal action and involve relevant security agencies to ensure their arrest and prosecution.

The statement further called on Nigerians to report suspicious solicitations and suspected fraudulent schemes using the Minister’s name to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The disclaimer, according to the office, is intended to protect members of the public from falling victim to schemes falsely presented as having the backing or endorsement of the Minister of Defence.