The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has escalated its inquiry into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Simultaneously, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) disclosed the recovery of N50bn from the ministry, preventing potential embezzlement.
The funds, initially earmarked for vulnerable citizens during the tenure of former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, were intercepted by the ICPC between July and August 2023.
The money, which was at risk of being embezzled, was blocked during attempts to transfer it into private bank accounts. The ICPC, under its former Chairman Bolaji Owasanoye, facilitated the recovery and paid it into the Central Bank of Nigeria.
An authoritative government source revealed that the N50bn was subsequently handed over to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government. Following the appointment of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, President Tinubu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to refund the money to the ministry.
This refund formed part of the Infrastructure Support Fund for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
In continuation of their probe, EFCC detectives questioned numerous senior civil servants in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs on Wednesday. These officials provided valuable information to aid investigators in unraveling the financial malfeasance in the ministry.
The investigators also held sessions with the suspended Minister Betta Edu, ex-minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme.
Betta Edu is under investigation for authorizing the transfer of N585m into the private account of an accountant in the ministry, Bridget Oniyelu. Sadiya Umar-Farouq faces scrutiny over alleged N37bn money laundering, while Halima Shehu is being questioned for allegedly moving N44bn NSIP funds into private and corporate accounts without presidential approval.
In response to these developments, calls have emerged for broader investigations into corruption across ministries. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) advocate for widening the ongoing probe to all ministries, departments, and agencies involved in corrupt practices.
The PDP asserts that corruption is pervasive in various MDAs, emphasizing the need for a thorough and inclusive investigation. The LP believes that extending the probe will bring transparency into the civil service system.
In conclusion, stakeholders, including anti-corruption groups and political parties, stress the importance of an open investigation to expose fraudulent activities and ensure accountability in ministries and civil service.
