N585M Corruption Scandal: President Tinubu Orders Investigation Into Allegation Against Minister Beta Edu

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into a N585 million corruption scandal involving Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.

In a statement Sunday, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi said the Tinubu administration will be transparent and accountable.

Edu has been accused of ordering the transfer of N585.2 million into the private account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for vulnerable Nigerians.

"In light of recent events, the president has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details," the information minister said, Daily Post reported.

"The government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the Administration's commitment to public accountability and due process," he added.

The minister urged the public to not rely on unverified reports circulating on the internet.

"The public is advised to note, against the backdrop of various unverified narratives circulating on the Internet, that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, under the leadership of Minister Mohammed Idris, is the primary source for verified information about events and actions of the Federal Government of Nigeria," he said.

He noted the ministry will share only accurate details, stressing its commitment to providing timely updates about the progress of the investigation.

"We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public," Malagi added.

A leaked memo last week revealed that Edu had asked Accountant-General Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to transfer N585.2 million to the private bank account of a project accountant in her ministry.

Rasheed Zubair, media aide to Edu, clarified that the grants were meant to be distributed among vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos.

However, human rights activists, including senior advocate Femi Falana, and other civil society groups have urged the government to investigate the matter.