In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action in its ongoing investigation into alleged scandals within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, have been seized by the EFCC as part of measures to prevent them from leaving the country during the ongoing probe.
The scandal involving Edu unfolded after a leaked memo revealed her alleged directive to transfer N585 million to a private account. Edu defended the transaction, stating it was meant for vulnerable groups, while the EFCC investigates a N44 billion fraud within the ministry.
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President Tinubu, in response to public pressure, suspended Edu and directed her to hand over to the permanent secretary in the ministry. However, the EFCC continued its investigation, subjecting Edu to a marathon interrogation on Tuesday. Her personal and official passports were confiscated, and she was prohibited from international travel.
Umar-Farouq, Edu’s predecessor, faced 12 hours of questioning on Monday, resulting in the seizure of her passport as part of her bail conditions. The EFCC aims to prevent any escape attempts during the ongoing investigation.
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Notably, the scandal extends beyond the ministers, with the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme, Halima Shehu, also suspended indefinitely over alleged financial misappropriation. Shehu, arrested and questioned by the EFCC, is required to report to the commission daily as part of her bail conditions.
The EFCC’s probe has not spared top executives of three commercial banks, implicated in the fraud under investigation. They were interrogated on Tuesday, revealing deep involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a 2023 presidential candidate, criticized the APC for allegedly using the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as a cash cow. He called for a comprehensive reform of the ministry and urged accountability for all involved.
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In response, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, cautioned against premature conclusions, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The APC defended President Tinubu’s swift action, indicating a commitment to thorough investigations.
As the saga unfolds, the PDP calls for the suspension and investigation of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over his alleged involvement in a N438 million contract awarded by Edu. Tunji-Ojo denies wrongdoing, stating his visit to the Presidential Villa was to brief the president on the online passport portal.
This unfolding scandal highlights the need for systemic reforms within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and emphasizes the importance of accountability in handling funds designated for the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Source:
The Punch
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