Politics
Betta Edu: EFCC Maintains It Recovered N32.7Billion, $445,000
By Emily Ogah
Amidst recent commentaries, opinions and assumptions, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that it has so far recovered N32.7 billion and $445,000 from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the ministry.
According to a statement titled ‘Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry,’ signed by EFCC Head of Media & Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, the statement emphasized that it was important to provide the information amid recent commentaries, opinions and assumptions regarding its probe of the ministry.
Recall that last Tuesday, the suspended humanitarian affairs minister, Dr Betta Edu, who is being probed, said she was not being investigated by the EFCC for the alleged misappropriation of N30 billion.
However, the EFCC in its statement said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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 N32.7billion 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.
The statement read further, “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.”
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