A coalition of civil society groups has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a five-day ultimatum to make public the outcome of investigations involving former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Betta Edu.
The groups, led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI), also criticised ex-Minister Edu’s recent public appearances around the Presidency, including events attended alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Kennedy Tabuko and EUYI co-convener Danesi Momoh, said the continued public visibility of the former minister raised concerns while investigations were still pending.
Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024 over allegations involving the transfer of over N585 million in ministry funds into a private account.
The president subsequently directed the EFCC to investigate the matter.
The coalition said the EFCC should release the findings of its investigation to Nigerians.
“We demand that until Betta Edu’s case is decided and the EFCC makes public the corruption cases against the sacked minister, it will constitute a bad public image for the government and our dear nation to see Betta Edu around the corridors of power,” the groups said.
They also warned that they would stage a protest if the anti-graft agency failed to provide updates on the case within five days.
“Again, we want to unequivocally sound this warning to President Tinubu and all the anti-corruption related agencies that if Nigerians are not abreast with the findings of all corruption cases against Betta Edu within five days, we will take to the street within the confines of the law,” they added.
Tabuko accused the EFCC of failing to keep the public informed about the investigation.
He also questioned Edu’s presence at government programmes and events despite the allegations against her.
“We must remind Mr President and the First Lady that their body language matters. If Mrs Tinubu can be seen at a public function with a sacked government appointee who is still facing corruption allegations, then it speaks volumes,” he said.
The groups further alleged that Edu had been lobbying to attend government functions at state and federal levels.
Betta Edu, a medical doctor, served as commissioner for health in Cross River State before becoming the national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In 2023, she was appointed minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction.
The EFCC had earlier disclosed that it was investigating multiple accounts linked to the former minister.
However, no formal charges have been announced publicly against her as of the time of filing this report.
