Edu, Farouq, Shehu Not Cleared Yet, May Be Prosecuted, Says EFCC
By Abdul SULE (Abuja)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that it has not cleared the suspended Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Beta Edu, immediate past Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency (NSIPA) Halima Shehu, of any alleged financial malfeasance.
The Commission in a statement dated April 14, 2024 and signed by Head, Media & Publicity Dele Oyewale, disclosed that it has recovered a total of N32.7bn and $445,000 has been recovered so far from the ministry.
The statement expressed dismay at the avalanche 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.
It explained that from the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission, adding that their investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded to the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.
It further revealed that 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 just as the investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.
The statement read in part: "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."
On the issue of Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating, the EFCC said: "We appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.
"Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.
"These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.
"To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.
"However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted. At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse.
"Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.
