Nigeria’s financial watchdog has announced the recovery of 30 billion naira ($24 million) as part of an ongoing corruption investigation into a suspended minister.
The funds were traced to more than 50 bank accounts linked to Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu, who was suspended in January over allegations of diverting $640,000 of public money into a personal bank account.
President Bola Tinubu initiated an investigation into Edu’s ministry following the suspension.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Edu’s office explained that she approved the transfer into a personal account (not in her name) for the “implementation of grants to vulnerable groups.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been conducting a thorough investigation for nearly six weeks, uncovering “many angles” to examine.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that the agency is scrutinizing over 50 bank accounts where money has been traced.
He urged Nigerians to allow the agency time to complete its investigation diligently, promising that the recovered funds are now in the federal government’s coffers.
The suspension of a minister is uncommon in Nigeria, making this corruption probe a significant development in the country’s efforts to combat financial malpractice.
Source-BBC
