N585m scandal: Tinubu asks EFCC to start ‘thorough’ investigation

The interim Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been the subject of a “thorough” investigation by Olokoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokeswoman, signed a statement that conveyed his instruction.

As per the statement, the direction issued by the President was consistent with his declared intention to maintain the utmost levels of honesty, openness, and responsibility in the administration of the Nigerian republic.

The President also gives the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instructions to thoroughly look into all facets of financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, as well as one or more of its agencies.

Additionally, in an effort to reform the relevant institutions and programs in a decisive manner for the sole benefit of impoverished households, the President has charged a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Finance with performing, among other things, a thorough diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs.

Ngelale declared, “These orders from the President are effective immediately.”

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation was given instructions by Edu to deposit N585.18 million into a private account held by Oniyelu Bridget, according to records that were previously leaked.

In Ogun, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and other states, the Ministry stated that the aforementioned Oniyelu is currently employed as a Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

Yet, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Federation’s Accountant-General, disregarded Edu’s order and declined to pay the specified amount.