Betta Edu released from EFCC custody on bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, following an extensive interrogation regarding her approval for the transfer of approximately N585 million from the ministry’s funds into a civil servant’s private account. President Bola Tinubu suspended Mrs. Edu on Monday, prompting the EFCC to investigate the approval and related scandalous revelations.

After complying with the EFCC’s summons on Tuesday morning, Mrs. Edu was held in custody until night when she was released on bail. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed her release on bail but refrained from providing details on the terms and conditions. Oyewale stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The EFCC initiated the questioning of Mrs. Edu on Tuesday morning, acting on an official invitation sent to her the day before. An undisclosed source at the anti-graft agency revealed that she is expected to provide insights into the matter under investigation.

Sadiya Umar-Farouk, Mrs. Edu’s predecessor, and the pioneer minister of the ministry (then known as the Ministry of Social Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Affairs) also returned to the EFCC for questioning on Tuesday after being released on bail the previous day. Mrs. Umar-Farouk is under investigation for the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure.

Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, responsible for overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, is still undergoing investigation at the EFCC.