The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unintentionally circulated fake news on its official Instagram page, falsely claiming that former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke had confessed to stealing $9 billion and sought clemency from President Bola Tinubu.
The misleading information went viral on social media before being removed without explanation or an apology.
EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disavowed knowledge of the false news when questioned, stating, “Whatever is not signed by me is not from us.”
The incident adds to a growing trend of government agencies spreading misinformation, as highlighted by the EU election observer report listing APC members, including Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, among top fake news peddlers in the 2023 presidential election.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, currently facing trial in the UK for bribery allegations, appeared in a UK court in October. Despite the UK trial, the EFCC had previously stated that she would face separate charges of money laundering in Nigeria.
