EFCC Clarifies Ongoing Investigation on Ministry Fraud: No Clearance Yet for Betta Edu and Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a statement clarifying that Betta Edu and others involved in the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation have not been cleared.

This announcement comes amidst widespread speculation and public discourse regarding the probe into the ministry’s financial dealings.

The anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, addressed the press in Abuja on April 14, 2024, emphasizing that the investigation is still in progress and that no one has been exonerated.

President Bola Tinubu had previously suspended Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development, and Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), due to allegations of financial misappropriation within the ministry.

In response to the allegations, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into all financial transactions involving Edu’s ministry and the agencies under its jurisdiction.

As part of its monthly e-magazine, “EFCC Alert,” the chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that over ₦30bn have been recovered, and approximately 50 banks are currently under investigation.

In addition to providing updates on the investigation, Oyewale highlighted that the recovered funds were part of the fraudulent dealings involving funds stolen by Late General Sani Abacha, COVID-19 funds, and a World Bank loan intended for the ministry.

The EFCC has been investigating a system of intricate fraudulent practices within the ministry, which includes the involvement of several banks.

Managing Directors of the implicated banks have made statements to investigators, and the agency has not cleared anyone involved in the alleged fraud.

The public is encouraged to disregard any claims to the contrary, as the investigation is still ongoing and advancing steadily.

As a result of the scandal that led to Edu’s suspension, the Federal Government has decided to restart the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) scheme.

The ongoing probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation highlights the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring transparency in its agencies.

As the investigation progresses, the public will be informed of any further developments in the case.