Breaking News: EFCC Takes Action, Summons 20 Directors And Officials Of Humanitarian Ministry

In a significant development in the probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued summonses to 20 senior directors and officials from the ministry for interrogation. Some of these officials have reportedly been questioned at the EFCC headquarters, with more expected to undergo interrogation…..CONTINUE READING

This move follows a comprehensive investigation report and recommendations submitted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) earlier in the week.

The EFCC’s action is part of an extended investigation to uncover financial improprieties within the ministry since its establishment in 2019. Sources indicate that the scale of fraud within the ministry is substantial, covering various projects and programs spanning multiple administrations.

The ongoing collaboration between the EFCC and the ICPC is aimed at exposing instances of financial misconduct and malpractices among civil servants dating back to the Buhari administration.

This partnership has already yielded results, with the ICPC intercepting and recovering N50 billion from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs between July and August 2023. The funds, which were at risk of embezzlement, were successfully recovered and deposited into the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The synergy between the two anti-graft agencies was highlighted as the current ICPC chairman, Musa Aliyu, SAN, presented the investigation report on the humanitarian affairs ministry to the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation and synergizing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption. Both agencies expressed a commitment to collaboration, avoiding duplication of responsibilities, and optimizing resources.

The ICPC report details the roles played by various officials in attempting to divert the N50 billion earmarked for the National Social Investment Programme Agency and other infractions.

The report is expected to support the EFCC’s investigation into key figures, including the suspended humanitarian affairs minister, Betta Edu, ex-minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Ms Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme.

Edu is under investigation for authorizing the transfer of N585 million into a private account, Umar-Farouq faces questions over alleged N37 billion money laundering, and Shehu is probed for moving N44 billion NSIP funds without presidential approval.