*Pix above(r-l): Betta Edu and EFCC
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has swooped on the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, inviting her to its headquarters over an alleged N585million misappropriation in her ministry.
The State Online reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in response to allegation of misappropriation of N585 million in palliative funds, and then resorting to Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for illegal replacement.
Edu had faced severe backlash from the public following the revelation of a leaked memo directing Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer N585.198 million to a private account.
The minister was also discovered to have granted funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff traveling to Kogi, a motorable distance and a state without an airport.
Meanwhile, Oluwatoyin Madein, Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), says she willfully pooh-poohed the request of Betta Edu, for running foul of established public accounting procedures.
Madein said no bulk money “is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant”.
The State Online further reports that In a letter dated 20 December, 2023, referencing FMHAPA/HQ/S.208, Minister Edu had sought the funds’ transfer to the personal account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, stating it was meant for grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States. The funds, it was gathered is for swift replacement of the N585m already misappropriated.
Edu’s invitation came moments after her suspension from office was announced.
An EFCC source confirmed the minister’s invitation to the office of the commission, adding that the Chairman of the agency, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier recommended the suspension of the minister to the President to pave way for proper investigation.
“We have invited the suspended Minister, Betta Edu. 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,” the source noted.(agency)/PLEASE SHARE
*Tags: Betta Edu, EFCC
