EFCC, FBI probe alleged diversion of funds for US-backed health programmes

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has entered into a partnership with Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of mismanagement and diversion of funds allocated to US-backed health programs in the country. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in tackling financial crimes involving international funds.

The probe will focus on every organization and group that received funds through programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly those targeting HIV and tuberculosis interventions. Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the FBI, Macus Maccain, presented the request during a meeting with the EFCC in Lagos.

Maccain stated that the objective behind this engagement is to enhance cooperation between the FBI and EFCC, and to assist in investigations into financial irregularities linked to organizations that implemented US-funded programs in Nigeria. He emphasized that the focus would be on funds released before some USAID-supported programs were terminated, as questions have arisen regarding how implementing organizations managed money remaining in their possession post-program termination.

Maccain added that the FBI seeks a stronger engagement with the EFCC to establish how the funds were managed and identify any potential financial misconduct arising from the termination of these programs.