Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is making headway in its probe of suspended Minister Betta Edu. They have recovered N30 billion allegedly connected to the case and are investigating over 50 bank accounts.
This follows the January suspension of Edu and a former National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA) official, Ms. Halima Shehu, over accusations of financial impropriety in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, addressed the progress in the commission’s monthly e-magazine, EFCC Alert. He acknowledged the complexity of the case and the time required for a comprehensive investigation. “We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation,” said Olukoyede.
While details on the specific accusations against Edu have not been publicly disclosed, the investigation into the recovered N30 billion and links to 50 bank accounts suggest a potential network involved. The probe extends beyond Edu, with Shehu also facing scrutiny.
The social programs run by the ministry, including the N-Power program and the homegrown school feeding program, were put on hold following the suspension of Edu and Shehu. The status of these programs remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
