EFCC Recovers N30 Billion, Investigates 50 Bank Accounts in Probe of Betta Edu, Others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made substantial strides in its ongoing investigation into the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and other individuals associated with the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA).
Ola Olukoyede, the executive chairman of the EFCC, disclosed that the agency has successfully recovered N30 billion on behalf of the Federal Government and has initiated investigations into 50 bank accounts linked to the case.
Betta Edu, alongside the former CEO of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, faced suspension approximately three months ago following allegations of financial impropriety leveled against them by President Bola Tinubu.
Upon their suspension, President Tinubu instructed the EFCC to assume control of the case and conduct a thorough investigation into all implicated parties.
Speaking in the March edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, EFCCAlert, Olukoyede emphasized the complexity of the case and urged patience from the Nigerian populace, highlighting that investigations of this nature require time for completion.
Olukoyede stated, “With respect to this particular case, we have recovered over N30 billion, which is already in the coffers of the Federal Government.”
He continued, “It takes time to conclude investigations; we started this matter less than six weeks ago. There are cases that take years to investigate. There are so many angles to it. And we need to follow through with some of the discoveries that we have seen.”
The EFCC chairman reiterated the necessity for patience, stating, “Nigerians should give us time on this matter; we have professionals on this case and they need to do things right. There are so many leads here and there.”
Regarding the magnitude of the investigation, Olukoyede revealed, “As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into. That is no child’s play. That’s a big deal.”
Responding to inquiries about the staff’s capacity to handle such cases, Olukoyede assured, “And again, we have thousands of other cases that we are working on.”
He urged Nigerians to acknowledge the progress made by the EFCC thus far, highlighting the suspensions imposed on certain individuals and the significant financial recoveries achieved.
“We are exploring so many discoveries that we have stumbled upon in our investigation,” Olukoyede added. “If it is about seeing people in jail, well let them wait, everything has a process to follow.”
In conclusion, Olukoyede appealed for trust and patience from the public, emphasizing the meticulous approach adopted by the EFCC in addressing the case.
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