The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied clearing any suspects facing investigations over allegations of corruption perpetrated at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The anti-graft commission made this known in a Sunday statement titled, “Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry”.
“The EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily,” the statement read in part.
Suspended minister, Betta Edu and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar Farouq, are among former and serving officials that the EFCC has interrogated.
They are both being investigated by the EFCC over alleged misappropriation of multi-billion naira social welfare funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians.
In January, President Bola Tinubu ordered the suspension of Edu and Halima Shehu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA).
The president also charged the EFCC to conduct an in-depth probe of the ministry.
Nigerians soon began to complain about the lack of updates on the matter.
In March, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede disclosed that N30 billion had been recovered from the probe while 50 banks were under probe.
On Sunday, Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Dele Oyewale said, “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.”