#EFCC Investigators Unearth Additional N17bn Fraud in Humanitarian Ministry Scandal

The ongoing investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian and Social Inclusion reveals a new fraud of N17 billion, distinct from the initial N585 million case that led to the suspension of Minister Betta Edu. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials, originally probing the smaller fraud, were surprised by the substantial increase in uncovered cases. The investigators are intensifying efforts and have questioned the suspended minister about these additional findings. Investigations are also ongoing into matters involving former minister Hajia Sadiya Umar-Farouk and the suspended CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Hajia Halima Shehu. Cooperation from Shehu has led to the recovery of N30 billion out of the N37 billion traced to Umar-Farouk. Despite efforts to influence the investigation, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly assured that he will not interfere with the EFCC probe, and notions of clemency may not materialize.