N500m scandal: Tinubu takes fresh action against Betta Edu

President Bola Tinubu has initiated a comprehensive probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by Minister Betta Edu, following allegations of financial irregularities.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this directive in a statement on Sunday.

Controversy surrounds Edu’s purported involvement in the approval of N585,198,500.00 for disbursement into a personal account.

An alleged letter from Edu to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, instructed the transfer of funds to the account of one Oniyelu Bridget as a grant for vulnerable groups in four states.

However, Madein clarified that while her office received the payment request, no action was taken.

Edu, the youngest minister in the President’s cabinet at 37, vehemently denied the allegations, attributing them to a plot to tarnish her image and emphasizing her commitment to avoiding embezzlement of government funds.

Coincidentally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is concurrently investigating Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, for alleged money laundering amounting to N37.1 billion during her tenure.

In response to the uproar, the Minister of Information acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “the government is determined to unravel the truth.”

He quoted President Tinubu, saying, “In light of recent events, the President has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.”

The information minister assured the public that appropriate action would be taken in line with the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds and promised transparent communication of the findings.