In the latest development surrounding the N585 million fraud allegations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, on bail.
The release comes after her suspension by President Bola Tinubu, and her subsequent invitation by the EFCC for questioning.
Betta Edu faced allegations of directing the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum of N585 million to a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget.
The ministry claims that Bridget currently serves as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups, among other fraudulent activities linked to Betta Edu’s office.
Upon appearing at the EFCC office, both Betta Edu and former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk, who also served in the Humanitarian Ministry, had their passports seized to prevent any attempt to flee the country during the ongoing investigations.
A reliable source within the EFCC revealed on Wednesday that Betta Edu has been granted bail but is required to show up at the EFCC office daily. This condition mirrors the situation of Sadiya Umar-Farouk, who was released on Tuesday but instructed to continue reporting to the EFCC office pending the progress of the investigation.
The unfolding events highlight the gravity of the allegations surrounding the misappropriation of funds within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as both ministers navigate the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC.
