The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Sunday that it has recovered $445,000 and N3 billion in its ongoing investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs scandal.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told the press that the $445,000 and N3 billion were recovered during the period between March and April, in addition to the N30 billion previously recovered before March, as mentioned by the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukoyede, during an interview.
Oyewale said, “The interview with the commission’s chairman, which was recently released, was done mid-March, and as at that time, the N30bn was what had been recovered as noted by the chairman. However, between that time and now, the commission has been able to recover an extra N2.7bn and $445,000 in connection with the probe.”
Upon the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Beta Edu, President Bola Tinubu directed the EFCC to launch the investigation.
Joining Edu in the probe are her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency, Halima Shehu.
The spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, gave the update in a statement on Sunday titled, “Beta Edu and other Matters: For the Purpose of Clarity.”
Read also: Beta Edu: We’re Yet To Clear Any Official Of Fraud – EFCC
The statement read, “No officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have been cleared in ongoing investigations into financial misappropriation.
“The EFCC has recovered N32.7bn and $445,000 in the ongoing investigation. Investigations have uncovered fraudulent dealings related to COVID-19 funds, World Bank loans, and Abacha loot.
“Banks involved in the fraud are being investigated, with Managing Directors providing useful statements.”
The EFCC also said it would intensify its move against naira abuser, following the conviction of controversial cross-dresser, Idri Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, and his sentence to six-month imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
It said, “Public support in reporting naira abuse and dollarisation of the economy is appreciated, with increased awareness of the issue.
“The EFCC is committed to prosecuting those involved in naira abuse, having in mind that a new task force came into operation on February 7, 2024.’’
It also noted that numerous public figures are currently being looked into for misusing the local currency, with a few already issuing testimonies and others anticipated to receive invitations for interrogation. The EFCC upholds its steadfast stance on impartiality, cautioning citizens to adhere to regulations prohibiting such unlawful acts.