Updated: EFCC quizzes suspended humanitarian minister, Betta Edu

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC has invited the suspended Minister of humanitarian affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to its headquarters for questioning over an alleged payment of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

President Bola Tinubu had announced Mrs Edu’s immediate suspension from office through his Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale following reports of financial improprieties in her ministry.

Recall that President Tinubu on Monday suspended Edu from office with immediate effect and consequently ordered the EFCC to investigate the activities of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Tinubu’s decision was conveyed in a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

Though EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, would not pick his calls or confirm the story, credible EFCC sources say the suspension was pronounced that the invitation came less than 30 minutes after President Tinubu announced Edu’s immediate suspension from office.

The sources also stated that the EFCC had earlier recommended the suspension of the minister to pave the way for thorough investigation into the ministry’s affairs.