Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned Nigerians to steer clear of an online scam falsely using his name to promote a bogus empowerment scheme. The fraudulent initiative, labeled the “Atiku Grant by FG,” claims to offer Nigerians N65,000 in financial support but has no affiliation with the former vice president or the federal government.
In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, confirmed that neither Atiku nor any of his associates are involved in the purported scheme. The statement described the initiative as a ploy to deceive unsuspecting citizens, urging the public to avoid engaging with it. Security agencies have also been called upon to investigate and prosecute those behind the scam.
“It has come to our notice that a group claiming to be ‘Travelling Abroad Opportunities’ has been advertising a so-called ‘Atiku Grant by FG’ online. For clarity, Atiku Abubakar has no knowledge of this scheme and is not involved in any initiative offering N65,000 to applicants,” the statement clarified.
The scam reportedly demands applicants to fill out forms, provide personal details, including account numbers, and pay an application fee to access the grant. Atiku’s office condemned the scheme, emphasizing that any future empowerment programs from the former vice president would be conducted transparently and directly through official channels.
Nigerians are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities. Atiku’s media office reiterated its commitment to ensuring his name is not used to defraud innocent citizens. The public is reminded that such scams are widespread and often target those seeking financial aid.
