The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is under scrutiny following accusations of diverting millions of naira intended for vulnerable citizens in four states into a private individual’s account.
A document suggests that Edu instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Toyin Sakirat Madein, to transfer N585 million allocated for poverty reduction in Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River, Lagos, and Ogun states into the UBA account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.
In a letter dated December 20, Edu approved the payment, specifying that it should be made from the National Social Investment Office account to Mojisola’s UBA account. The allocation included N219,462,250 for Lagos, N219,429,750 for Akwa-Ibom, N73,828,750 for Cross River, and N72,468,750 for Ogun.
The revelation has sparked concerns of potential fraud, with fears that the money might not serve its intended purpose, raising suspicions of government fund misappropriation.
Rasheed Olanrewaju, an aide to the humanitarian minister, hinted at a forthcoming response, stating, “You are going to hear from us very, very soon,” but did not provide further details.
The questionable diversion of significant funds into a private account has led to skepticism regarding Edu’s integrity, especially since she assumed office just six months ago. The Office of the Accountant-General is yet to respond to inquiries made on the matter.
This development comes amidst the ongoing probe of the former humanitarian minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over the alleged embezzlement of N37.1 billion during her tenure.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to question Farouq on Wednesday, but she did not comply, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the humanitarian ministry and its current minister.
