Punch reports that renowned Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, has strongly advised the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, to refrain from insulting Nigerians amidst the controversy surrounding allegations of a N585 million fraud.
Edu faced intense criticism after a leaked memo revealed her directive to transfer the mentioned sum to a private account, supposedly belonging to Oniyelu Bridget, serving as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
Despite claims by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs that the grant approval followed due government processes, Falana expressed concern over the minister’s response. Edu asserted that the allegations were unfounded and orchestrated by detractors aiming to impede her anti-corruption efforts and assistance to the needy.
Falana emphasized that even though the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, thwarted the criminal diversion of the N585.18 million, the leaked memorandum indicated an already completed attempt to commit a felony.
Highlighting the lack of legal justification for diverting the funds meant for vulnerable groups, especially considering the ministry’s compilation of individual bank accounts, Falana commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for recovering N37 billion allocated for vulnerable individuals.
He urged the EFCC to expedite the ongoing investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, advocating for the prompt prosecution of all implicated individuals before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
