On Tuesday, the Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of Zenith, Providus, and Jaiz banks responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation, where they cooperated by submitting documents related to accounts linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. A reliable source within the agency confirmed the compliance, revealing that the banking executives left the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after the requested documents were handed over.
Various sources closely connected to the banks, EFCC, and the Presidency clarified that the anti-graft agency had sought these documents to aid its ongoing investigation into suspected financial irregularities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
On January 8th, 2024, President Bola Tinubu took decisive action by suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. The President also ordered a thorough investigation into the activities of her ministry.
Betta Edu faced questioning by the EFCC on Tuesday, during which it was alleged that she directed the transfer of a grant totaling N585,198,500.00 intended for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States into a private account. These developments underscore the seriousness of the investigations into financial impropriety within the ministry, emphasizing the commitment to accountability and transparency in government affairs.