President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, with immediate effect amid an embezzlement allegation of N585 million.
This action is in line with the commitment to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability. The statement also directs the EFCC to investigate all financial transactions within the ministry and its agencies.
EMBEZZLEMENT
Last December, a leaked memo addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation revealed a request for the disbursement of N585 million earmarked for Grants for Vulnerable Groups to a personal account.
Betta Edu, while acknowledging the transaction to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola’s account, justified it as due process, citing the recipient’s role as Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
Despite the claim, Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009 strictly prohibit personal money in government accounts.
In response, the president ordered a comprehensive investigation into the ministry, suspending Betta Edu and instructing her to cooperate with authorities while handing over duties to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
