EFCC Investigates 50 Accounts Tied to Humanitarian Ministry

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into 50 bank accounts associated with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This investigation comes on the heels of the recovery of a staggering sum of N30 billion linked to alleged scandals within the ministry.

According to Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC, who revealed these details in an interview published in the March edition of EFCC Alert, the recovered funds have been returned to the Federal Government’s treasury.

The ongoing probe involves scrutiny of suspected irregularities within the ministry, including individuals such as the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, her predecessor Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), an agency under the ministry’s purview.

Edu’s suspension by President Bola Tinubu in January was prompted by allegations of fraud within her ministry. Subsequently, she underwent questioning by the EFCC following the emergence of a leaked memo suggesting improper financial transactions.

Similarly, Umar-Farouq faced interrogation by EFCC investigators in connection with alleged money laundering activities totaling N37.1 billion during her tenure. The probe extends to Shehu, who was apprehended and questioned regarding the movement of N44 billion from NSIP accounts to suspicious private and corporate entities in December 2023.

Addressing the progress of the investigation, Olukoyede emphasized the complexity of the case, stating, “We have recovered over N30 billion, which is already in the coffers of the Federal Government. We are currently scrutinizing over 50 bank accounts associated with this matter.”

He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the EFCC, the judiciary, and the National Assembly in combating corruption effectively. Olukoyede advocated for the establishment of special courts dedicated to handling corruption cases, emphasizing the need for expedited adjudication to ensure justice is served promptly.