In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. This move is a precautionary measure to prevent them from leaving the country while investigations into the scandals within the ministry are ongoing.
Edu, who faced questioning at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, is under investigation for her alleged involvement in a N44 billion fraud within the ministry. The commission’s investigators are delving into the intricacies of the scandal, including the transfer of N585 million to a private account, as revealed in a leaked memo.
Umar-Farouq, who was interrogated for 12 hours on Monday, is also connected to the probe into the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. Her passport was seized as part of her bail conditions.
Additionally, Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme, another agency under the humanitarian ministry, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged financial misappropriation. Shehu, who had been arrested and questioned by the EFCC, faces accusations related to the movement of N44 billion from the NSIPA account to suspicious private and corporate accounts.
Furthermore, managing directors of three commercial banks were questioned on Tuesday in connection with the fraud investigations. The EFCC sources confirmed that these banks were deeply involved in the financial improprieties under scrutiny.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reacting to the unfolding scandals, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as a financial resource for successive governments. Atiku commended the suspension of Minister Edu but called for broader reforms within the ministry to address systemic corruption and ensure accountability in interventionist programs.
