In the wake of a thorough probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned 20 high-ranking directors and officials for questioning.
This investigation as gathered by Quest Times, stems from a comprehensive report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, highlighting potential financial misconduct within the ministry.
According to sources, the EFCC is delving into the activities of the ministry since its establishment in 2019, aiming to unearth extensive financial improprieties.
“The fraud that was carried out in the ministry is very massive. It spans several projects and programmes executed over the past years from the immediate past administration into the new administration. Also, ex-minister Sadiya, Betta Edu, and Halima Shehu are not the only ones being quizzed. Several civil servants and ministry officials were involved too,” one of the sources disclosed.
The collaboration between the EFCC and the ICPC is anticipated to expose further misconduct during the Buhari administration.
Previously, the ICPC intercepted and recovered a substantial sum of N50 billion from the ministry in 2023, preventing an attempted embezzlement. The recovered funds were subsequently deposited into the Central Bank of Nigeria. The collaboration between the two anti-graft agencies aims to deepen ongoing investigations into the humanitarian affairs ministry.
During a meeting at the EFCC headquarters, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, expressed commitment to eradicating corruption, emphasizing the importance of a strong relationship between the agencies.
“We need to work together, and we cannot do this without a good relationship. That’s why I think I need to extend this hand of friendship to the EFCC so that we can effectively partner in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” he said.
Moreover, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collaboration to optimize resources and enhance the effectiveness of their anti-corruption efforts.
The ICPC report outlined the roles played by various officials in diverting the N50 billion intended for the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
This report is expected to aid the EFCC in its investigation of suspended minister Betta Edu, former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and suspended National Coordinator, Halima Shehu.
Allegations include unauthorized fund transfers and money laundering, prompting tough questions for those involved.
Edu, suspended by President Bola Tinubu, defended the N585 million payment as intended for vulnerable groups.
However, the Accountant-General of the Federation denied approving the payment into a private account, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to established payment procedures.