Betta Edu: EFCC Recovers N32.7Bn, $445,000

Pat Stevens/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it had so far recovered N32.7 billion and $445,000 in its investigation of the fraud allegedly perpetrated by officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The alleged fraud had led to the suspension of the minister in charge of the ministry, Dr Betta Edu.

The revelation is contained in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, today.

The investigation, according to Oyewale, had also uncovered other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, World Bank loan and recovered Abacha loot by officials of the ministry.

The statement further notes that no official of the ministry has been cleared by the EFCC.

“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. 

“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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