The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a statement clarifying that it has not cleared anyone amid the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

The ministry, previously overseen by the suspended Betta Edu, has come under scrutiny following allegations of financial irregularities.

In a statement released on Sunday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, it was revealed that significant sums of money have already been recovered as part of the investigation.

To date, a total of N32.7 billion and $445,000 have been recovered, shedding light on the scale of the alleged financial misconduct.

The EFCC has widened its probe to encompass various fraudulent activities related to Covid-19 funds, the utilization of a World Bank loan, as well as the management of Abacha recovered loot earmarked for poverty alleviation initiatives within the Ministry.

These investigations have revealed intricate networks of financial malfeasance, implicating several interdicted and suspended officials associated with the Ministry.

Furthermore, the EFCC has turned its attention to the role of banks implicated in the alleged fraud.

Managing Directors of these banks have been cooperative with investigators, providing valuable insights into the infractions under scrutiny. Those found culpable will be subject to prosecution in accordance with the law.

The statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide 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.

“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.

“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. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

“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.”