‘We are independent and have access to 170 countries data,’ NFIU tells staff
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has cautioned its staff members that it operates independently and has access to information from 170 countries, making it unable to favor any political party or individual.
The warning came in response to allegations that the NFIU is protecting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The NFIU stated that there are individuals within the organization who act as moles for politicians.
It stressed that the NFIU is autonomous and cannot be exploited by politicians for personal gain.
The NFIU emphasized the importance of merit over political affiliations and urged the moles within its ranks to follow the example of their colleagues working for various international organizations.
The NFIU also clarified that no member of its management is associated with Atiku Abubakar.
The NFIU Director, Mr Modibbo Hamman Tukur, has reportedly asked investigating agencies to examine his assets and investigate any suspicions.
Regarding the case of unscrupulous staff members, the NFIU explained that the story was related to employees who were punished for gross official misconduct and who had lawyers paid by politicians.
The NFIU won the case at the Supreme Court, and it considered the repeated attacks from a single source as distractions from its sensitive and dangerous work.
The NFIU highlighted its contributions to drug-related arrests and cases, as well as its support for various government agencies like the NDLEA.
It also mentioned its training programmes for international FIUs and its recognition as a best practice model.
However, the NFIU concluded that these distractions do not impact its work.
