ICPC disowns event allegedly scheduled to hold at EFCC headquarters

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has distanced itself from an event tagged “End of Year Whistle Blowing and Anti-Corruption Reports Submissions” purportedly scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The poster of the event being circulated on social media indicated that it will hold between 17th and 22nd December at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in Abuja.

The poster was signed by one Dandaura Takalis who claimed to be an official of Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Organisation, the organisers of the event.

The organisers had in the poster has listed ICPC among participants at the event.

But the anti-graft agency in a statement on Saturday denied knowledge about the event or the organization behind it.

ICPC, in the statement by J. Okor Odey, its spokesperson said, “The attention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been drawn to a circulating message soliciting financial support for an alleged “End of Year Whistle Blowing and Anti-Corruption Reports Submissions” scheduled to hold between 17th and 22nd December at the EFCC Headquarters, and purportedly signed by one Dandaura Takalis, PhD, claiming to represent a so-called Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Organisation.

“The ICPC wishes to categorically state that it has no knowledge of this individual, his organisation, or the event being advertised. At no time was the Commission contacted, consulted, or involved in any manner regarding the said programme.

“The Commission therefore dissociates itself completely from the message and warns the general public to exercise utmost caution. Members of the public are strongly advised not to make any financial contributions or provide any form of support, as this announcement bears the clear markings of a scam.

“The ICPC remains committed to transparent, accountable anti-corruption efforts and urges citizens to verify all information relating to the Commission through its official communication channels.”