Defence minister warns Nigerians over fake housing scheme using his image
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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), has disowned a housing scheme promoted on WhatsApp that used his name and photograph to collect money from the public.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has warned Nigerians against fraudulent housing schemes and investment ventures using his name, official title and photographs to solicit money from unsuspecting members of the public.
The warning followed reports of a housing scheme promoted through a WhatsApp group in which the minister’s photograph was allegedly used to attract public subscriptions and payments.
In a disclaimer issued in Abuja and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Office of the Minister of Defence said Musa has no connection with the housing scheme, or with any investment programme or financial venture soliciting funds from the public.
The office described the unauthorised use of the minister’s name and image as a deliberate attempt to deceive and defraud Nigerians, and urged the public to disregard advertisements, promotional materials, online posts and other solicitations featuring his name or photograph in connection with housing schemes or monetary investments.
It added that it would not hesitate to initiate legal action and involve security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals, groups or organisations found exploiting the minister’s identity for financial gain.
The office also urged Nigerians to report suspicious solicitations and alleged fraudulent schemes invoking the minister’s name to the appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately.