EFCC Investigates 50 Accounts Connected to Humanitarian Ministry
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating 50 bank accounts as part of its probe into alleged scandals in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed in an interview that the commission has recovered N30 billion linked to these alleged scandals, with the funds already deposited into the Federal Government’s coffers.
The ongoing investigation involves various individuals, including the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following allegations of fraud in her ministry, including the transfer of N585 million to a private account. Umar-Farouq was questioned regarding the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure, while Shehu was arrested in connection with the movement of N44 billion from the NSIP account to suspicious private and corporate accounts.
Olukoyede emphasized the complexity of the investigation, stating that over 50 bank accounts have been traced, requiring meticulous scrutiny. He highlighted the need for time to conclude thorough investigations, urging Nigerians to be patient and trust the process. Olukoyede also called for the establishment of special courts to handle corruption cases promptly, emphasizing the importance of expeditious justice delivery in combating corruption.
Additionally, Olukoyede urged Nigerians to actively participate in the fight against corruption by reporting wrongdoing and holding corrupt individuals accountable. He stressed the detrimental effects of corruption on national development and emphasized the collective responsibility of all Nigerians in combating this scourge.
