The EFCC recently addressed concerns about the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the agency, clarified on Sunday, April 14, 2024, that Betta Edu and others implicated in the probe have not been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Why Suspension of Betta Edu
President Bola Tinubu suspended Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development, along with Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), amidst accusations of financial irregularities within the ministry. The president also instructed the EFCC to conduct a thorough inquiry into the financial transactions of Edu’s ministry and its affiliated agencies.
Progress of the Investigation by EFCC
In a recent update provided in the EFCC’s monthly e-magazine, titled “EFCC Alert,” the chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that over ₦30 billion had been recovered, with 50 banks under scrutiny. Oyewale, while elaborating on the matter on Sunday, highlighted that the recovered funds were linked to various sources, including funds misappropriated by former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha, COVID-19 relief funds, and a World Bank loan intended for the ministry’s use in poverty alleviation efforts.
Ongoing Inquiries by EFCC
According to Oyewale, the EFCC’s investigations have uncovered additional fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, and the Abacha recovered loot designated for the ministry’s initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. He emphasized that these funds were intended to support poverty alleviation programs within the ministry.
Furthermore, Oyewale reiterated that ministry officials, including Betta Edu, who were summoned for questioning, have not been cleared of any suspicions by the EFCC. He stressed that the agency is delving into a complex network of fraudulent practices and is scrutinizing banks involved in the alleged malfeasance. Managing Directors of implicated banks have cooperated with investigators, providing valuable information on the infractions.
Continued Vigilance
In conclusion, Oyewale emphasized that no individuals allegedly involved in the fraud have been absolved of guilt by the EFCC. Investigations are ongoing, progressing steadily. He urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting otherwise.
Resumption of Social Investment Programmes
Meanwhile, the Federal Government plans to resume the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) scheme, which was suspended earlier due to the scandal within the humanitarian ministry, resulting in Edu’s suspension.
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