Betta Edu Scandal: EFCC Gets 7-Day Ultimatum to Publish Probe Findings
- The Committee for Transparency and Social Justice (CTSJ) has given the EFCC a seven-day ultimatum to release a detailed update on its probe of suspended minister, Betta Edu, or face local and international legal action
- CTSJ accused the EFCC of reluctance to prosecute the case after the suspension of the minister
- The group threatened to escalate the matter internationally, including petitions to foreign partners and visa bans if its demands are not met
Abuja, FCT - The Committee for Transparency and Social Justice (CTSJ) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publish a comprehensive update on its investigation into the multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, or face legal action both locally and internationally.
In a petition addressed to EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede, the CTSJ demanded immediate prosecution of all individuals implicated in the case.
Source: Twitter
The petition recalled that Dr. Edu was suspended in January 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after being accused of diverting ₦585 million into a private account. EFCC investigations reportedly uncovered illicit funds spread across more than 50 bank accounts, with about $24 million (approximately ₦30 billion) recovered.
Betta Edu scandal: EFCC accused of "reluctance"
CTSJ warned that EFCC’s “reluctance” to prosecute sends a dangerous message that some individuals are above the law, undermining President Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance and Nigeria’s credibility in the international community.
The petition also said that EFCC’s alleged inaction violates Nigeria’s obligations under several international anti-corruption treaties and conventions.
In its ultimatum, CTSJ demanded that, within seven days, the EFCC must publish a detailed status report on the Betta Edu investigation and commence immediate prosecution of all those found culpable.
Betta Edu scandal: Group threatens global action
The CTSJ said failure to comply, it will trigger a global escalation of the matter, vowing to petition Nigeria’s international partners and funding agencies supporting EFCC operations, and to seek visa bans on the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
“The Nigerian people deserve full accountability, and we will pursue all lawful means to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done,” the petition concluded.
It was gathered that copies of the petition were also sent to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Transparency International, and several foreign embassies and international agencies in Nigeria.
Source: UGC
Betta Edu sends message to Nigerians about Tinubu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Betta Edu assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu's ability to address the country's challenges and drive positive change.
Edu's comment followed her suspension by President Tinubu on January 8, 2024, due to a controversial memo requesting the transfer of N585 million to a private account.
The president directed the EFCC to investigate the financial transactions associated with her ministry. Before Edu’s suspension, Halima Shehu, the CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), was also suspended due to alleged financial misconduct.
Source: Legit.ng
