The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not yet made public the results of its investigation into the alleged fraud involving former Ministers Sadiya Umar-Farouk and Betta Edu.
The investigation, which began 15 months ago, also covers former National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) head Halima Shehu and contractor James Okwete.
Reports confirm that the investigation is still ongoing, with no charges filed yet.
The probe centers on the alleged mismanagement of over ₦30 billion, with the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reportedly recovering large sums from more than 50 bank accounts linked to the ministry during Edu and Umar-Farouk’s time in office.
The investigation gained attention after a memo circulated online, purportedly showing Edu directing a ₦585 million transfer to a private account.
The recipient, Oniyelu Bridget, was allegedly working as a Project Accountant for Vulnerable Groups, though doubts have been raised about the legitimacy of the transfer.
Further scrutiny followed Edu’s approval of unusual expenses, including airfare for a trip to Kogi State, which lacks an airport.
This fueled public criticism and increased attention on her management.
As a result, President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu on January 8, 2024, a week after Shehu’s suspension over financial mismanagement claims.
Edu accused Shehu of overseeing the disappearance of billions of naira under her leadership.
Shehu was later arrested and questioned by the EFCC regarding the movement of ₦44 billion from NSIPA accounts to private and corporate accounts in December 2023.
Umar-Farouk, who served as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs before Edu, has also been interrogated by the EFCC over alleged mismanagement of ₦37.1 billion in social intervention funds.
In response to the growing controversy, President Tinubu set up a panel led by Finance Minister Wale Edun to review and reform the social investment programmes, including N-Power and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme. Following Edu’s suspension, these programmes were temporarily halted.
Despite ongoing investigations, no formal charges have been filed.
Shehu, who oversaw the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, has not attended EFCC questioning as part of her bail conditions.
Sources within the EFCC indicated that the complexity of financial fraud investigations, especially with involvement from high-ranking bankers, requires more time to ensure thoroughness.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that investigations are still ongoing but declined to specify when they might conclude.
Last year, the EFCC reported recovering ₦30 billion in the case involving Edu and others, and officials have promised to take the time needed to gather enough evidence to avoid courtroom failures.
Leave a Reply