JUST IN: BETTA EDU DENIED ACCESS TO PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, GETS EFCC INVITE

January 8, 2024January 8, 2024

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By Sefiu Ajape

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the recently suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to its headquarters in the Jabi area of the Federal Capital Territory over an alleged N585 million scandal.

The invitation came less than an hour after Edu’s suspension from office was announced by President Bola Tinubu through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Edu, however, was also denied access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A reliable EFCC source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, revealed that the anti-graft agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had previously suggested to the President that the Minister be suspended in order to allow for a thorough investigation.

The source added that the commission moved quickly after the President directed a comprehensive probe into the alleged transfer of a N585.189 million grant intended for vulnerable groups in the states of Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom into a private account.

“We have invited the suspended Minister, Betta Edu. The invitation letter was sent to her immediately after her suspension was announced by the president. We’re expecting her at the headquarters any moment from now,” the source noted.