N585m fraud: EFCC expects Betta Edu as Umar-Farouq gets administrative bail to return

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogators are still awaiting the arrival of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu in their headquarters located in Jabi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

President, Bola Tinubu on Monday announced Edu’s immediate suspension from office through his Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

An impeccable source close to The Guardian confirmed that the anti-graft agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier recommended the suspension of the Minister to the President to pave the way for proper investigation.

The source further noted that the commission swung into action immediately after the President ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged payment of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

“We have invited the suspended Minister, Betta Edu. The invitation letter was sent to her immediately after her suspension was announced by the President,” the source noted.

“We’re are expecting her at the headquarters any moment from now.”

Meanwhile, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq returned home on Monday night after hours of interrogation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

She had arrived at the Jabi Headquarters of the EFCC about 10:18 am on Monday to honour the invitation to offer clarifications on some issues that the Commission is investigating.

The former minister had a long session with the EFCC interrogators. The Monday session ended about 10:30 pm after which she was allowed to return home.

She is expected to return on Tuesday for further clarifications on sundry issues that the Commission has flagged in the course of its preliminary investigations.

The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development is facing probe over an alleged laundering of N37.1 billion.