Falana calls for Betta Edu’s resignation over N585m fraud scandal

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has demanded the resignation of Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, for her alleged role in a fraud scandal involving N585.18 million.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana accused Edu of “betraying the confidence reposed in her” by the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria. He also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the investigation of the humanitarian ministry and prosecute all those involved in the scam.

According to Falana, Edu had approved the payment of N585.18 million to a personal account of one Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly as a grant for vulnerable groups in four states. He said this was a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.

Falana said Edu had failed to deny her involvement in the fraud, despite the evidence of a leaked letter allegedly signed by her, instructing the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, to make the transfer. He said Madein had refused to act on the request, thereby preventing the looting of public funds.