The National Association of Online Stakeholders (NASO) has refuted media reports alleging that it is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over unpaid royalties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association described the reports as “false, misleading, and intended to tarnish the image of the organization.” NASO clarified that it has not received any correspondence from the anti-graft agency regarding such claims and urged the public to disregard what it called “fabricated stories.”
According to the statement signed by its spokesperson, the association said all financial transactions and royalty remittances under its purview are duly accounted for and subjected to regular audits. It further stressed its commitment to transparency and accountability in all dealings.
“We categorically state that NASO is not, at any point, under probe by the EFCC or any other agency of government. Our accounts are up to date, and we remain committed to fulfilling our obligations in line with industry regulations,” the statement read.
The association accused detractors of sponsoring the reports in order to undermine its leadership and disrupt ongoing engagements with stakeholders.
NASO also reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with regulatory authorities whenever required, adding that it would not be distracted from its mandate of protecting the interests of its members and advancing the digital economy.
The group appealed to media organizations to verify sensitive information before publication, warning that it would take legal steps against individuals or platforms that engage in deliberate misinformation.
