Defence minister cautions Nigerians against housing scheme using his image

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), has cautioned Nigerians against a housing scheme purportedly utilizing his name, official title, and photograph to solicit donations and financial contributions. In a statement issued from Abuja and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister clarified that he had no involvement in the scheme or any investment or financial venture requiring funds from the public.

The statement emphasized that the Office of the Minister of Defence had received reports indicating that his identity and photograph were being used without authorization in a WhatsApp group promoting the scheme. The minister's office emphatically stated that the Defence Minister was not associated with any housing scheme, investment program, or financial venture seeking public funds.

They urged Nigerians to disregard any advertisements, social media posts, or other promotional materials that falsely claim affiliation with the minister's name or photograph for the purpose of soliciting payments for housing projects or investment schemes. The office warned that those responsible for the unauthorized use of the minister’s identity could face legal consequences and prosecution.

They advised the public to report suspicious messages and suspected fraudulent schemes involving the minister’s name to the relevant law enforcement authorities. The Office of the Defence Minister emphasized the gravity of this unauthorized exploitation and indicated that it would take swift legal action and involve security agencies to apprehend and prosecute any individuals, groups, or organizations found using the minister’s identity or image to defraud citizens for personal gain.