Betta Edu: Suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs faces EFCC investigators in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced questioning the suspended minister, Betta Edu, over alleged N585 million in disbursement fraud.

Reports say Edu arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at 11 a.m. Nigerian time.

The dismissed minister honoured the invitation of the anti-corruption body alongside her aides and lawyer.

Edu came under heavy fire from activists and rights groups after being implicated in a N585 million payment scam involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

In a statement by the media aide to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said the decision was taken in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the commonwealth of Nigerians.

The statement by Chief Ajuri added, “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.”

Edu, 37, was the youngest member of the president’s cabinet before her suspension and was a political rising star who held state and federal positions at an early age.

The minister is the first to be kicked out of office, barely six months after the new government was sworn in.