Nigeria’s financial watchdog has announced the recovery of 30 billion naira ($24 million) as part of its ongoing investigation into corruption allegations surrounding a suspended minister.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the funds were traced across more than 50 bank accounts.
The suspended minister, Betta Edu, who holds the portfolio for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was initially suspended in January following accusations of diverting $640,000 of public funds into a personal bank account.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered a thorough investigation into her ministry.
Despite the allegations, Dr. Edu, aged 37, maintained her innocence, with her office stating that the transfer into a personal account, albeit not under her name, was for the purpose of implementing grants for vulnerable groups.
Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the investigation has uncovered numerous avenues to explore. He emphasized the complexity of the probe, noting the scrutiny of over 50 bank accounts.
Olukoyede urged patience from Nigerians awaiting outcomes, assuring them of a comprehensive investigation process.
“We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation. If it is about seeing people in jail, well let them wait, everything has a process to follow,” he said.
The EFCC chairman affirmed that the recovered funds had been remitted to the federal government’s treasury.
The suspension of a minister is an unusual event in Nigeria’s political landscape.
