President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The directive follows the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over a scandal involving the transfer of N585m to a private account.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the suspension and the EFCC investigation in a statement on Monday. The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, is also under investigation for an alleged N37.1bn money laundering during her tenure.
In compliance with Tinubu’s directive, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has summoned Edu for questioning on Tuesday. The President has further established a panel, led by Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the financial architecture of social investment programs.
Edu’s suspension is linked to a leaked memo revealing her directive to transfer N585m to a private account. The funds were claimed to be for vulnerable groups in specific states. Various groups and individuals, including the PDP, SERAP, Femi Falana, and civil society groups, had called for Edu’s suspension and an impartial investigation.
The total budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from 2020 to 2024 is N2.38tn, according to data from the budget office. The investigation aims to reform relevant institutions and programs, eliminating institutional frailties for the benefit of disadvantaged households.
Umar-Farouq, Edu’s predecessor, has been questioned by EFCC investigators over the alleged money laundering. She cited health challenges and sought an extension to provide clarifications about the monumental fraud investigation.
Meanwhile, Edu’s attempt to meet with Tinubu after her suspension was denied, as her convoy was turned back at the Presidential Villa. Additionally, there were reports that the ICPC intercepted N32bn in July-August 2023, preventing it from being stolen from the humanitarian affairs ministry. The funds were handed over to the Federal Government.
