The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has charged the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor Godwin Emefiele, to treat as urgency in providing information on the identities of the persons involved in alleged money laundering through the bank to fund the activities of the Boko Haram,.
SERAP in a statement signed by Adetokunbo Mumuni, executive director, also urged Emefiele to provide “within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, information on the exact nature and duration of any such transactions.
“SERAP is concerned about the damaging allegation especially given that the CBN as a regulatory body has a responsibility under the UN Convention against Corruption and other national laws to prevent money laundering in banks, and to ensure that its systems are transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.
“It was necessary to clarify as to what exactly happened through the CBN if it is to continue to play a leadership role in the fight against corruption and money laundering, and to enjoy the public trust and confidence essential for its effectiveness.”
“Providing the information would also help to ensure full accountability for those involved in international crimes, and contribute to the process of providing effective remedies for victims,” the organization added.
“By virtue of Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on any transaction or money laundering activities that may have been carried out through the CBN, and the said information is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.”
“By virtue of Section 4 (a) of the FOI Act when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or urgency to whom the application is directed is under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within 7 days after the application is received. By Sections 2(3)(d)(V) & (4) of the FOI Act, there is a binding legal duty to ensure that documents containing information relating to alleged money laundering through the CBN is widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means.”
“The information being requested does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act,” the group stated.
The information requested for, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FOI Act, bothers on an issue of national interest, public peace and concern, interest of human rights, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.”
“The disclosure of the information requested will give SERAP and the general public a true picture and a clear understanding of the extent of the involvement of the CBN in any money laundering to Boko Haram,” the organization also said.
