By Teddy Daniel
The Ministry of Defence has warned Nigerians against paying money to individuals promoting unauthorised housing and investment schemes using the name and photograph of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.).
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Ministry said some individuals and groups were exploiting the Minister’s identity to give credibility to fraudulent financial schemes.
The statement specifically highlighted a housing scheme being promoted through a WhatsApp group, where the Minister’s photograph was reportedly used to attract subscriptions and payments from members of the public.
It clarified that General Musa had no involvement in the scheme or any housing project, investment programme or financial venture seeking money from the public.
The Ministry described the unauthorised use of the Minister’s name and photograph as an attempt to mislead Nigerians and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
It urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with advertisements, social media posts and other solicitations featuring the Minister’s name, official title or photograph in connection with housing and investment schemes.
The statement warned individuals, groups and organisations involved in the unauthorised use of the Minister’s identity that the matter would be treated seriously.
It added that the Minister’s office would pursue legal action against anyone found exploiting his name or photograph for financial gain, while security agencies would be engaged to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The Ministry advised Nigerians to report suspicious messages, advertisements and financial solicitations using the Minister’s identity to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
