Scandal: EFCC seize passports of Betta Edu, Sadiya Umar-Farouq

The passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq have been seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the ongoing investigations into scandals in the ministry.

A source who spoke to the Daily Post said the passports of the suspended Minister and her predecessor were collected to avoid them fleeing the country as investigations continue.

“The commission has seized the passports of the two former ministers, Sadiya Umar-Farouq and Betta Edu.

“We have also seized Mrs Halima Shehu’s passport pending the conclusion of investigations. The commission does not want to risk having any of them leave the country while they still have questions to answer,” he said.

Recall that Edu is reported to have reported at the office of the anti-graft agency’s headquarters around 10 am on Tuesday, January 9 to answer questions over alleged financial corruption rocking the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Ministry.

The development comes after a leaked memo revealed that Edu requested from the Federation’s Accountant General the payment of N585 million meant for vulnerable people into a private account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

Following the uproar from Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered Edu’s comprehensive probe and investigation of the ministry’s activities.