By Kamsi Anayo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has recovered additional $445,000 and N3bn in the ongoing probe of the scandal in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, said that the $445,000 and N3 billion were recovered between March and April in addition to the N30 billion earlier recovered before March, which the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukoyede, referred to in an interview.
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, 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 abusers, following the conviction of controversial cross-dresser, Idris 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 Feb. 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.”