EFCC keeps mum as Betta Edu allegedly stages return

There are indications that Betta Edu, the embattled minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, has assumed her roles despite being under suspension and investigation by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission.

Edu, who was suspended following a diversion of one N585 million federal government grant meant for the vulnerable into private accounts had sent condolences to the victims of the recent Jos building collapse.

“It is with profound grief that I extend my deepest condolences on the tragic collapse of the school building in Jos, Plateau State, which has resulted in the loss of multiple lives and left many survivors grappling with unimaginable pain and suffering,” Edu said in a message carrying the ministry’s letterhead.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured receive swift and complete healing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time,” she added.

The condolences, which ought to be met with sympathy, caused a stir on social media as the minister was still expected to be grilled by the anti-graft agency.

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President Bola Tinubu had suspended the humanitarian minister in January this year, ordering the EFCC to carry out a thorough investigation of all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies.

“In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect,” Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity had announced.

However, it appears Edu had been left off the hook as the EFCC has remained silent with no outcome of the investigation in sight.

This is a developing story…

Wasiu Alli

Wasiu Alli is a business, economics cum data journalist with strong expertise covering macro trends, capital markets, government policies, corporate earnings and comparative economics analysis. Alli turns raw data into trends that not only tells compelling stories but nudges investors to make valued and informed decisions. He’s an alumnus of Lagos State University and trained at Lagos Business School. He formerly heads the Companies and Markets desk at BusinessDay where he writes and supervises the production of well researched articles on earnings updates, corporate sectoral comparisons, market intelligence as well as interviews with C-suite executives.