We Have Not Cleared Betta Edu, Others – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has maintained that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Betta Edu, and others being investigated for alleged financial misappropriation have not been cleared by the agency.

A statement by the Head of Media & Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, indicated that although investigations conducted by men of the agency on officials of the ministry indicted in the alleged fraud have led to the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000, none of them have been cleared.

The anti-graft agency also revealed that discreet investigations carried out on the ministry have opened up other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, and Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate, with many officials of the ministry past and present linked to the “alleged financial malfeasance.”

While stressing that its investigations are not about individuals, the agency promised to prosecute individuals found guilty in the alleged financial infraction, noting that it is “investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices”.

According to the statement: “Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, the World Bank loan, and Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

“It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions.

“Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary”.