Nigeria recova N30bn for poverty minister investigation – EFCC – BBC News Pidgin

Nigeria Recovers $24 Million from Suspended Minister in Ongoing Corruption Investigation

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Introduction

The Nigerian government has successfully recovered 30 billion naira ($24 million) from a suspended minister as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, according to a financial watchdog.

Investigation and Recovery

1. The funds were traced to over 50 bank accounts.
2. The Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Betta Edu, was suspended in January after allegedly diverting $640,000 of public funds into a personal bank account.
3. President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation into her ministry.
4. Dr. Edu, who is 37 years old, initially denied any wrongdoing, stating that the transfer was approved for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups.
5. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been conducting a nearly six-week-long investigation and has discovered multiple angles to explore.
6. The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that they are currently investigating over 50 bank accounts where the funds were traced, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.

Assurance and Justice

• The EFCC encourages Nigerians seeking justice to allow the agency sufficient time to thoroughly complete their investigation.
• The chairman assured the public that if there are individuals deserving of imprisonment, the necessary processes will be followed.
• The recovered funds have already been returned to the federal government.

Conclusion

Suspending a minister is not a common occurrence in Nigeria, highlighting the government’s commitment to combating corruption and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
   • Indicator: Recovery of funds from a suspended minister as part of an ongoing corruption investigation

2. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources
   • Indicator: Investigation into the diversion of public funds meant for poverty alleviation

Analysis

The article discusses the recovery of 30 billion naira from a suspended minister in Nigeria as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. This issue is connected to SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Target 16.5 specifically aims to substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. The recovery of funds from the minister aligns with this target, as it demonstrates efforts to combat corruption.

Additionally, the article mentions the diversion of public funds meant for poverty alleviation. This connects to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms. Target 1.4 focuses on ensuring that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources. The investigation into the diversion of funds indicates a violation of this target.

The indicators mentioned in the article include the recovery of funds from the suspended minister, which serves as evidence of progress towards reducing corruption (Target 16.5). The investigation into the diversion of public funds also acts as an indicator of the violation of equal rights to economic resources (Target 1.4).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: bbc.com

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