Nigeria Recovers 30 Billion Naira in Corruption Probe Linked to Suspended Minister

Abuja, Nigeria (TAE)-In a significant development in its anti-corruption efforts, Nigeria has successfully recovered 30 billion naira (approximately $24 million; £19 million) as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that these funds were traced to over 50 bank accounts.

The investigation began after Betta Edu was suspended in January amid accusations of diverting $640,000 of public funds into a personal bank account. Despite the allegations, Edu, aged 37, has denied any misconduct. Her office argued that the transfer was approved for the "implementation of grants to vulnerable groups," and was made into an account not under her name.

President Bola Tinubu, responding to the scandal, ordered a thorough investigation into Edu's ministry to unearth any discrepancies and ensure accountability. The EFCC, led by Chairman Ola Olukoyede, has been spearheading this probe for nearly six weeks and expressed that the process involves exploring "many angles" and is not a trivial matter.

In the latest issue of EFCC's monthly e-magazine, "EFCC Alert," Olukoyede emphasized the scale of the investigation, stating, "As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into. That is no child's play. That's a big deal." He also called for patience from the public, highlighting the complexity of the investigation and the need to follow due process.

Olukoyede reassured the public that the recovered funds had already been deposited into the federal government's coffers, signaling a win for the government's anti-corruption campaign. He stressed the importance of thoroughness in the investigation to ensure that justice is served appropriately.

The suspension of a minister for allegations of corruption is a rare occurrence in Nigeria, marking this case as particularly noteworthy in the country's ongoing battle against corruption. As the investigation continues, the EFCC's findings could have significant implications for governance and public trust in Nigeria.