The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it is currently investigating 50 bank accounts as part of its ongoing probe into the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, and the former chief executive officer of the now-suspended National Social Investment Programme Authority (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.
The investigation, which began about three months ago following their suspension by President Bola Tinubu over alleged financial malfeasance, also involves anyone else connected to the case. Tinubu suspended both officials and halted the Social Investment Programme before instructing the EFCC to take over and investigate.
Ola Olukoyede, the executive chairman of EFCC, revealed these details in the March edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, EFCCAlert, which was made available to Vanguard on Monday. Olukoyede emphasized the importance of patience from Nigerians, stating that the investigation required time due to the complexity of the case and the numerous leads being pursued.
Olukoyede assured the public that the EFCC was approaching the matter professionally and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. He highlighted the gravity of the investigation, noting the significant number of bank accounts being scrutinized and the funds traced into them.
He underscored the seriousness of the investigation, reminding Nigerians that both Edu and Shehu were already suspended based on the findings of the EFCC. Olukoyede reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in government.