Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take legal action against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betty Edu, and other individuals implicated in the alleged diversion of N585.18 million to a private account. Falana, who is the Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (ASCAB), made this appeal in a statement on Monday.

He advised Betty Edu to refrain from insulting Nigerians, emphasizing that the leaked memorandum of the Minister indicated an attempt to commit a felony had already been completed. Falana stressed that there can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the sum of N585.18 million intended for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States, especially since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has already compiled the individual bank accounts of all the vulnerable people.

In his statement, Falana highlighted that the Minister directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to transfer N585.18 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed serves as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups in the aforementioned states. He commended the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, for rejecting the illegal directive and refusing to make the payment.

Falana also pointed out that the Minister did not deny giving approval for the payment to the private account, which contravenes the Public Service Rules, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory. He criticized the Minister's response to the allegations, stating that instead of apologizing and taking responsibility, she arrogantly dismissed the fraud allegation as a fabrication by her detractors.

In conclusion, Falana commended the EFCC for the recovery of N37 billion meant for vulnerable people in Nigeria and urged the Commission to expedite the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. He called for the swift prosecution of all indicted persons before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

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