- According to an EFCC source, the anti-graft agency had earlier recommended Edu’s immediate suspension in order to pave way for the ongoing investigation that had been ordered by President Tinubu.
- The spokesman of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment immediately as calls pulled across to his mobile phone were yet to connect.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to visit its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, about an alleged N585 million fraud.
Less than an hour had passed when President Bola Tinubu announced Edu’s removal from office via Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity.
According to a reliable source within the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the anti-graft agency, has previously suggested to the President that the Minister be suspended in order to allow for a thorough investigation.
The source further noted that the commission swung into action immediately after the President ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged payment of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states 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 are expecting her at the headquarters any moment from now,” the source noted.