Human Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has written a letter to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) demanding information on how the N338.6bn COVID-19 intervention fund was spent.

LEGALDESKNG learnt that this was contained in a letter dated 17th day of August, 2020 which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL), titled ‘Request for Detailed Information on Beneficiaries of N338.66bn Coronavirus (COVID-19) Intervention Funds Disbursed Across Various Sectors in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria’.

“We are a law firm committed to the enthronement of the rule of law, social justice and fiscal transparency in Nigeria.

“Our attention has been drawn to an online report relating to the disbursement of the sum of the sum of N338.66 billion as Corona Virus (COVID-19) intervention funds to beneficiaries across Nigerian states.”

Meanwhile, it was noted that the said report did not provide sufficient details of the beneficiaries thereof. Thus, the demand.

“Since the report did not capture the details of persons who benefitted from the disbursement of the funds, we hereby request in line with Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act that you avail us with the details of the disbursement.”

However, seven days ultimatum has been given for compliance with the demand.

“Having made this application in line with the Freedom of Information Act, you are requested to provide the said information within 7 days of the receipt of this letter failing which shall not hesitate to commence a legal action against you.”

Meanwhile, the CBN in a letter dated 26th day of August, 2020, signed by Mr. John S. Onojah which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL), however requested for time within which to comply with the demand.

“We refer to your letter dated 17th August, 2020 on the above matter and wish to inform you that the request is being processed and we will revert to you as soon as possible.”