Concerns Raised by Civil Society Groups Over EFCC’s Clearance of Dr. Betta Edu

A coalition of twenty-eight civil society organizations from the Niger Delta is seeking clarification regarding the recent reports indicating that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has been exonerated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The groups are particularly worried about the implications of these claims, suggesting that they could potentially damage the reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has committed to tackling corruption head-on.

In a statement released on Wednesday by spokesperson Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel Abela, the organizations questioned the validity of the EFCC’s decision—especially concerning allegations related to the approval of travel expenses for ministry staff heading to Kogi State, an area noted for not having an operational airport.

The statement highlighted, “Edu faced suspension in January due to serious accusations involving the mismanagement of about N585 million. This sparked an investigation into her stewardship of ministry resources, particularly regarding poverty alleviation initiatives.

“Despite the gravity of these charges, reports suggest that the EFCC has absolved Dr. Edu of any misconduct. Nevertheless, the reasoning behind this decision lacks clarity, prompting us to call for transparency and a public explanation about her exoneration.

“A significant part of the allegations pertains to the approval of travel costs for ministry employees traveling to a location without an airport. If Dr. Edu was indeed cleared, it raises pressing questions about the justification for such spending, mainly considering the ministry’s responsibility to assist underprivileged communities and to manage its resources wisely.

“Should there have been any misallocation of funds in this situation, it could jeopardize the ministry’s aims and cast doubt on Edu’s financial supervision.”

The organizations stressed that their concerns are rooted solely in the allegations of corruption rather than any personal issues with Edu. They, therefore, demand a comprehensive public clarification from the EFCC regarding the evidence or rationale leading to her clearance.



“Lack of transparency could jeopardize the credibility of the EFCC’s findings and the administration’s integrity commitment. The Nigerian populace deserves clear answers regarding such serious claims to build trust in both the government and its institutions.

“Should there be a failure to provide this necessary transparency, we will not condone it and are ready to organize nationwide protests to hold both the government and the EFCC accountable.”