Edu, Shehu and Farouq
By Our Reporter
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered another $445,000 and N3bn in the ongoing probe of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The $445,000 and N3bn were recovered between March and April in addition to N30bn earlier recovered before March, which the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukoyede, referenced in an interview.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale said, “The interview with the commission’s chairman, which was recently released, was done mid-March, and as at that time, the N30bn was what had been recovered as noted by the chairman.
However, between that time and now, the commission has been able to recover an extra N2.7bn and $445,000 in connection with the probe.”
The EFCC launched the probe on the directive of President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Beta Edu.
Also under probe is Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency, Halima Shehu.
The spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, gave the update in a statement on Sunday titled, “Beta Edu and other Matters: For the Purpose of Clarity.”
The statement read, “No officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have been cleared in ongoing investigations into financial misappropriation
“The EFCC has recovered N32.7bn and $445,000 in the ongoing investigation. Investigations have uncovered fraudulent dealings related to COVID-19 funds, World Bank loans, and Abacha loot.
“Banks involved in the fraud are being investigated, with Managing Directors providing useful statements.”
The EFCC also said it would intensify its move against naira abuser, following the conviction of controversial cross-dresser, Idri Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, and his sentence to six-month imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
It said, “Public support in reporting naira abuse and dollarisation of the economy is appreciated, with increased awareness of the issue.
“The EFCC is committed to prosecuting those involved in naira abuse, having in mind that a new task force came into operation on February 7, 2024.’’
“Several celebrities are under investigation for naira abuse, with some providing statements and more likely to be invited for questioning. The EFCC maintains its no-sacred-cow approach, warning the public to comply with laws against the crime.”
In another statement by Mr. Oyawale, titled “Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry” The EFCC also said “it has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud”
The statement reads “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.
“Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, 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.
“On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.
“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.
“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”
