The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its investigation into Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, remains active, despite her departure from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. An interim report has already been submitted to the President, though additional documents require thorough examination.
Following public uproar over an alleged ₦585 million scandal, President Tinubu suspended Edu in January. Recently, the Presidency ended speculation of her return by appointing a new minister to her former position.
During a press briefing on Thursday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede represented by Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwajaren reiterated the commission’s commitment to fully investigating the matter. “I don’t know the outcome. But I believe that we have submitted a (preliminary) report to the president. And I believe that we are still on the matter,” Olukoyede said, noting that over 140 bank accounts are under scrutiny in relation to the case.
Separately, Olukoyede addressed allegations made by social media personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, who claimed to have bribed EFCC officials with ₦15 million to drop money laundering charges. The EFCC denied these claims and launched a formal investigation. If the allegations are proven false, Bobrisky could face charges for providing false information to the EFCC. “There is a portion of the EFCC Act that states if you give false information, you can be tried,” Olukoyede remarked, affirming the agency’s intent to disclose the outcome of the investigation once complete.