ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In the wake of an ongoing investigation into financial improprieties within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned 20 senior directors and officials associated with the ministry.
This summons follows detailed findings and recommendations presented by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to the EFCC.
The investigation has been expanded to uncover financial irregularities within the ministry since its establishment in 2019.
A source revealed that the fraud is extensive, covering various projects and programmes executed over the years. The collaboration between the EFCC and ICPC aims to expose more misconduct and malpractices by civil servants dating back to the Buhari administration.
The ICPC had previously intercepted and recovered N50 billion from the ministry, preventing an embezzlement attempt. The report detailing these findings was presented to the EFCC, reinforcing the collaboration between the two anti-graft agencies.
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The ICPC report sheds light on several officials’ roles in attempting to divert the N50 billion belonging to the National Social Investment Programme Agency and other infractions.
This report is expected to assist the EFCC in its investigation of suspended humanitarian affairs minister Betta Edu, former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme.
Edu faces scrutiny for authorizing a payment of N585 million into a private account, while Umar-Farouq is under investigation for alleged money laundering involving N37 billion. Shehu is being probed for allegedly moving N44 billion NSIP funds without presidential approval.
The dismissal of the appeals by the Labour Party candidate and the PDP, along with the collaboration between the EFCC and ICPC, solidify the legitimacy of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s election in Lagos State.