By Babs Oyetoro
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday revealed that investigations into the cases of the suspended Humanitarian Minister, Dr Betta Edu, her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency, Halima Shehu, has led to the discovery more fraudulent cases in the ministry to the tune of N32.7bn and $445.000.
In a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, yesterday, discrete investigations by the commission have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.
Oyewale also informed that investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.
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*’Discreet investigations on Edu, Umar-Farouq, Shehu have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry
According to the statement, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7bn and $445,000 so far.
The statement further noted that the parties involved are being investigated and those found guilty will be prosecuted.
“The EFCC has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions, and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7bn and $445,000 so far.
“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.
“It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals.
The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions.
“Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.”
