Channels Television has confirmed that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, was seen at the Aso Villa in Abuja moments after her suspension on Monday afternoon.
However, she was reportedly denied access to President Bola Tinubu. Edu, embroiled in a N585 million disbursement scandal related to her ministry, faced intensified criticism from rights groups and activists. The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, revealed that her office did not act on the ministry's payment request, worsening Edu's situation.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale announced Edu's immediate suspension and directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into financial transactions involving the ministry.
Notably, the EFCC is already investigating Edu's predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, over an alleged N37.1 billion laundering during her tenure. Edu, 37, the youngest in the President's cabinet before her suspension, held significant political positions before her ministerial role, including Cross River State Commissioner for Health and National Women Leader of the APC. Edu was also active in Tinubu's campaign during the election that brought him to the presidency.
