Massive Corruption Probe Uncovers $24 Million in Nigeria
ABUJA — The scandal-ridden 37-year-old Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been at the center of a corruption probe that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria.
The country’s financial watchdog recently announced that they have successfully recovered 30 billion naira ($24 million) as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspended minister.
According to reports, the funds were discovered in more than 50 bank accounts linked to Edu, raising serious concerns about the extent of the corruption scandal.
Edu was initially suspended in January after being accused of diverting $640,000 of public funds into a personal bank account. President Bola Tinubu took swift action by ordering an investigation into the Minister’s conduct.
In response to the allegations, Edu vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the transfer was made for the “implementation of grants to vulnerable groups”. Her office clarified that the account where the funds were deposited was not in her name.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been diligently investigating the matter for nearly six weeks, uncovering multiple leads and potential avenues of inquiry.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the complexity of the case, stating that they are currently looking into over 50 bank accounts where suspicious transactions have taken place.
“This is no child’s play. We are dealing with a significant amount of money and multiple layers of financial activity,” Olukoyede said in an interview with EFCC Alert, the agency’s monthly e-magazine.
While Nigerians anxiously await the outcome of the investigation, Olukoyede reassured the public that the recovered funds have already been returned to the government’s coffers.
The suspension of a minister is a rare occurrence in Nigeria, underscoring the severity of the allegations against Edu and the urgent need for accountability in the country’s leadership.
Stay tuned for more updates as this high-stakes investigation unfolds. — BBC
