The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Tuesday, regarding the payment of N585 million public funds into a private account. Edu’s questioning follows her suspension by President Bola Tinubu due to her involvement in the disbursement scandal.
Heads of the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ola Olukoyede and Musa Aliyu (SAN), respectively, pledged their commitment to investigating any public officer who fails to adhere to established guidelines. The two agencies emphasized the need for collaboration in the fight against corruption during a meeting aimed at deepening mutual cooperation.
Sources at the EFCC revealed that bank chiefs were also invited for clarification in connection with the investigation into the suspended minister. The bank chiefs were later allowed to leave, and the EFCC clarified that they were not arrested but were invited to address concerns.
Edu arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and faced interrogators along with her aides and lawyer. The suspension and subsequent investigation stemmed from a scandal involving the disbursement of N585 million in the humanitarian affairs ministry, drawing widespread criticism.
During the meeting between Olukoyede and Aliyu, they expressed the importance of working together to effectively combat corruption. Aliyu pledged the readiness of ICPC to provide support and cooperation, emphasizing the need to avoid duplicating responsibilities and wasting resources.
Olukoyede agreed on the necessity of collaboration and highlighted the political will demonstrated by President Tinubu in the fight against corruption. He assured that no one is too big to be investigated in the country, emphasizing the agencies’ commitment to giving their best to ensure transparency and accountability.
