ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, said that she was not being investigated for alleged misappropriation of N30 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A bulletin entitled, “EFCC Alert,” which was made available on Monday to media organisations had alleged the recovery of N30 billion from the public funds said to be looted on the watch of Edu.
However, a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Rasheed Olarenwaju, and sent to newsmen on Tuesday stated that the EFCC had issued a statement clarifying the matter to dispel misconceptions and misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
The statement read, “In recent developments, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a clarifying statement regarding ongoing investigations involving Betta Edu, shedding light on misconceptions and misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
“Contrary to rumours, Betta Edu, is not under investigation for any alleged misappropriation of 30 billion Naira. Instead, the EFCC has confirmed that the investigation pertains to 587 million Naira.
“Furthermore, it has been emphasized that Betta Edu is not associated with any scrutiny related to funds transferred to 50 bank accounts. The distinction between her case and another individual, Halima Shehu, who is being investigated for misappropriating 44.8 billion Naira without any official approvals, has been made clear.”
The statement further explained, “It’s crucial to acknowledge the significance of transparency and accuracy in such matters, especially concerning individuals in public positions. The EFCC clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth, particularly in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly across various social media platforms.
“In summary, the EFCC’s clarification regarding Betta Edu’s case reaffirms the agency’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining transparency in its operations. It also serves as a reminder to the public to exercise caution when consuming information, especially in the age of digital media where misinformation can easily proliferate.
“As the investigation progresses, it is essential to await further updates from credible sources and to refrain from spreading unverified claims that may tarnish the reputations of individuals unjustly.”
