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 comes in the wake of the ongoing investigations into scandals within the ministry.
Edu, who appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, has been under intense scrutiny regarding the uncovered N44 billion fraud within the ministry. The commission’s investigators, working to unravel the intricacies of the alleged fraud, continued questioning Edu throughout the day.
As part of the broader investigation, managing directors of three commercial banks were also reportedly questioned on Tuesday concerning their involvement in the scandal.
The controversy surrounding Edu intensified after a leaked memo disclosed her directive to transfer N585 million to a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. Edu defended the transaction, asserting that the funds were intended for vulnerable groups in specific states.
In response to mounting public pressure, President Tinubu suspended Edu on Monday and instructed her to hand over to the permanent secretary in the ministry. Edu, complying with an EFCC invitation, underwent an extended interrogation session on Tuesday, during which both her personal and official passports were seized, restricting her travel abroad during the investigation. The EFCC continues to delve into the alleged financial improprieties within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
