A United Kingdom-based group, the Wuraolami Foundation, said it has suspended scholarships awarded to Nigerian beneficiaries until further notice.
The foundation, in a statement by its Convener, Ms Ifeoyinla Jacobs, explained that the decision was taken due to an alarming level of fraud being perpetrated by some Nigerian beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme.
Jacobs alleged that the charity’s beneficiaries in Nigeria have not received their scholarship funds, “despite confirmation from the state and the Nigerian arm that substantial payments have been made to the charity.”
The statement reads: “As we move forward, the organization explored legal means to address the situation by filing a formal petition to the Nigeria Police Force. This is in contrast to taking matters into our own hands, as the untrue statement made about the organization could permanently damage its reputation.
“However, our organization strongly believes that there is a need for thorough investigation and putting an end to injustice in our society, ensuring that the state has equal access to justice by the relevant provisions of the law.
“It is important to state unequivocally that our organization is aware of the legal and regulatory obligations conferred on Lagos State, and we trust that these obligations will be discharged with the utmost impartiality and reliance on the important doctrine of the Rule of Law.
“This negative statement could also be conveyed to the world, constituting defamation of character, which is an offence in Nigeria. This goes against the provisions of the Criminal Code Act, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015, and all other relevant provisions of Nigerian Laws, which could harm the charity.
“Impact and Inspire Initiative was established in the year 2014 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and all relevant laws.
“The foundation has been assisting free of charge to hundreds of vulnerable members of the society since 2014.
“Those who have benefited from the organisation larges include support for the poor, needy, elderly, less-privileged, disabled, orphans, sick, widowed, oppressed, downtrodden, homeless, indigent, and students.
“It is important to note that all recipients who met the Charity’s requirements received their scholarship funds, which were duly sent to their respective educational or vocational institutions. All payments for scholarship funds were made to the legitimate institutions of the Charity’s scholarship recipients.