The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned officials from the Dangote Group to Abuja in connection with an alleged forex crime. This follows a thorough investigation into forex transactions spanning nine years, with a focus on possible abuse of forex allocations during the tenure of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
In a recent operation at the group’s Lagos headquarters, EFCC operatives seized sensitive documents related to alleged forex allocation abuse. Dissatisfied with the contents, the anti-graft agency has now called on top officials of the Dangote Group to bring comprehensive documentation to its Abuja headquarters on Tuesday.
While Aliko Dangote is currently in the United States, plans to address the issue personally upon his return next week have been confirmed by a company official. The EFCC’s move to gather detailed and unambiguous documents aims to facilitate a thorough investigation without any perception of witch-hunting.
According to a senior EFCC official, the commission is focused on obtaining evidence and details regarding the allocation of government funds, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
A representative from the Dangote Group acknowledged their cooperation with the EFCC’s request, stating that despite sending documents and staff to the EFCC’s Abuja office, they were surprised by the agency’s unannounced visit to their Lagos office. The company is actively working to compile all relevant documents to be submitted to the anti-graft agency next week.
In response to prior forex malpractice allegations, Dangote Group maintains its commitment to legitimate investment practices. The recent raid, which extended from 2014 to June 2023, resulted in the confiscation of financial documents related to forex allocations. The EFCC is scrutinizing alleged preferential forex allocations that may contravene financial regulations and the CBN Act, involving not only Emefiele but 51 other companies.
Emefiele, who denies the accusations, refutes the investigation report as “false and damaging.” The EFCC’s inquiry into potential financial improprieties implicates not only Emefiele but also the Dangote Group and numerous other entities.