The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked Nigerians seeking an investigation into the N135.6m cash distribution by the senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Lawan, to submit formal petitions to the agency.
The anti-graft commission stated that it could only commence investigations based on verifiable complaints and evidence, not public outrage or reactions on social media.
The EFCC’s position followed widespread criticism trailing reports that the lawmaker distributed millions of naira to executives of the All Progressives Congress in his constituency as Sallah gifts ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday, the spokesperson for the commission, Dele Oyewale, said individuals or groups who believe any law may have been violated should officially petition the agency.
“Anybody who feels that he has contravened the law or is suspected to have contravened the law should write a petition to the EFCC and the commission will look into it,” he said.
Oyewale stressed that allegations circulating online were insufficient grounds for investigation without formal complaints backed by facts.
“It is not enough to be making commentaries on social media. The EFCC works with facts, not speculation. If anyone believes the law has been broken, they should submit a petition and the commission will examine it diligently,” he added.
The controversy erupted after an aide to the senator, Usman Alkali, disclosed in a Facebook post that Lawan distributed N135,650,000 to APC executives across Borno Central as Sallah packages.
According to the post, the money was shared among party officials within the constituency to support their Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Alkali noted that the senator had made similar donations on previous occasions since becoming a member of the National Assembly.
He also stated that the gesture was intended to appreciate party executives for their loyalty and contributions to strengthening democracy within the party structure.
However, the development triggered criticism on social media, with several Nigerians calling on the EFCC to probe the source and legality of the cash distribution over alleged money laundering concerns.
