The investigation into these financial irregularities is ongoing, with further interrogations and potential charges expected.
By Archibong Jeremiah
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu for seven hours yesterday on financial misconduct allegations.
Edu, along with her predecessor and the suspended head of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA), Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq were all released on bail but had their passports seized.
The grilling session, lasting from 11 am to 6 pm, focused on potential misuse of funds within the ministry. While details of the allegations remain confidential, sources suggest suspicious transactions and possible non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws by involved banks.
To ensure cooperation and availability for further inquiries, the EFCC confiscated the travel documents of all three individuals. This measure also aligns with the terms of their administrative bail.
In addition to Edu, the EFCC questioned the leadership of Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Jaiz Bank and others yet to be identified suspected of complicity. These institutions allegedly failed to raise red flags despite noticing potentially unlawful transactions, potentially violating Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The investigation into these financial irregularities is ongoing, with further interrogations and potential charges expected.