EFCC Invites Suspended Minister, Betta Edu Over N585million Scandal

President Tinubu Suspends Minister Amidst N585million Scandal: A Deep Dive Into the Corruption Allegations. In the most recent wave of corruption allegations to ripple through Nigeria's political landscape, President Bola Tinubu has announced the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. This extraordinary move came in response to accusations of financial misappropriation levelled against the minister. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) swiftly followed up on this with a summons for Edu to its headquarters concerning an alleged N585 million scandal.

The extensive investigation was catalyzed by a report from SaharaReporters, which detailed an instance where Dr. Edu asked Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer public funds to a private account. This controversial account is reportedly under the name of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, who was identified as a project manager by the suspended minister.

A document obtained by SaharaReporters, a letter penned by Dr. Edu, dated December 20, 2023, and marked with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/OHM/S.208, highlighted the request for over N585 million to be dispatched to this private account. This letter, signed by the minister herself, was titled “Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States Respectively.”

Unsurprisingly, this revelation precipitated immediate action, with the President making the significant decision to suspend the minister. The announcement was divulged through Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Tinubu. The declaration came as a direct response to reports alleging a misuse of funds within the ministry.

Not even an hour after the proclamation of her suspension, the EFCC had already forwarded an invitation to Dr. Edu, summoning her to its headquarters. A source within the commission confirmed both the minister’s suspension and the subsequent invitation, adding that the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, had previously suggested the suspension to the President to ensure an unobstructed investigation process.

“We have invited the suspended Minister, Betta Edu," noted the EFCC source. "The invitation letter was sent to her immediately after her suspension was announced by the President. We’re expecting her at the headquarters any moment from now.”

This developing story underscores the ongoing struggle with corruption in Nigeria’s political landscape, and reminds us that the fight for transparency and accountability is far from over. The fate of Betta Edu now hangs in the balance, awaiting the outcome of the EFCC's investigation.