EFCC Probe of Humanitarian Ministry Fraud Still Ongoing, Betta Edu Remains Uncleared

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

In a press briefing held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Abuja, the spokesperson of the agency, Dele Oyewale, shed light on recent developments concerning the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

This clarification comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Edu, and Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), amidst accusations of financial impropriety within the ministry.

Following the presidential directive, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe into all financial transactions involving the ministry and its affiliated agencies.

In their monthly e-magazine titled “EFCC Alert,” the chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that over ₦30 billion has been recovered thus far, with investigations ongoing into 50 banks allegedly implicated in the scandal.

Providing further updates during the recent briefing, Oyewale disclosed that the recovered funds were linked to fraudulent activities associated with funds embezzled by the late General Sani Abacha, COVID-19 relief funds, and loans from the World Bank earmarked for the ministry’s poverty alleviation initiatives.

“The EFCC has observed a surge in public commentary and speculation regarding its ongoing investigations into alleged financial malfeasance within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development,” Oyewale stated.

He emphasized that past and suspended officials of the ministry have been summoned for interrogation, leading to the recovery of ₦32.7 billion and $445,000 so far.

Additionally, investigations have unearthed further irregularities involving COVID-19 relief funds and the World Bank loan.

Oyewale clarified that no individuals implicated in the fraud have been absolved of guilt, and investigations into the intricate network of fraudulent practices are ongoing, with banks involved also under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to resume the suspended National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) scheme, following the scandal that led to the suspension of Edu and the temporary halt of social investment programs.