Publicise your findings on Betta Edu’s Investigation — Group tells EFCC
Publicise your findings on Betta Edu’s Investigation — Group tells EFCC
A coalition of civil society organizations known as the Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (CCSON) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicly release its findings regarding the investigation of Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on January 8, following allegations that she diverted N585.189 million in grants intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states into a private account.
This suspension came amid increasing scrutiny of her management of the ministry’s resources, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation programs.
The situation escalated further when it emerged that Edu had approved travel expenses for ministry staff to Kogi State, which notably does not have an operational airport.
While the EFCC reported recovering N30 billion linked to Edu’s ministry from 50 different accounts, it has yet to disclose its complete findings.
In response to a statement from an aide to House of Representatives Speaker Cecelia Ogbeche Odok, who labeled Edu’s trial a witch-hunt and claimed her innocence, CCSON expressed concern over the lack of action regarding Edu’s case.
They highlighted that Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), who was suspended alongside Edu, has already been replaced, but no action has been taken against the minister.
The group criticized the apparent inaction from the presidency, pointing out the disparity in treatment between Edu and Shehu, which they believe undermines accountability and fairness in governance.
“While we commend the swift action against Halima Shehu, we are alarmed by the presidency’s silence on Dr. Betta Edu’s situation. This selective accountability raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to justice for all Nigerians,” the statement read.
CCSON has called on President Tinubu to promptly replace Edu, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and transparency in government actions.
They asserted that the public deserves clarity regarding these serious allegations and that the EFCC must act quickly to restore trust in government institutions.
As calls for transparency intensify, the civil society group advocates for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds, arguing that accountability is essential for effective governance.
They insist that the EFCC must disclose its findings, asserting that Nigerians have a right to know the truth behind these allegations, warning that delays could erode trust in President Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption.
They accused her of engaging in actions that they believe undermine the collective interest of her constituents, rather than focusing on the pressing needs of Kogi Central.
The group made it clear that if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to “misuse” the privilege of her representation, they will take steps to begin the recall process, holding her accountable for what they described as a failure to serve the public good.
The statement reads: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and our senator, Natasha Akpoti. We wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from these unfolding events, which have become a national concern.
“As a revered institution of government, it is essential to acknowledge that the National Assembly has established rules that must be adhered to in order to maintain order. Regrettably, we note that what should have been a simple compliance issue has devolved into a vitriolic exchange.
“It is alarming to witness the numerous allegations and counter-allegations circulating in both social and conventional media since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, subjecting the peaceful people of Kogi Central to unwarranted public scrutiny.
“We urge Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to recognise her position as an equal among her peers in the red chamber, to act as a distinguished member, and to concentrate on the mandate entrusted to her by her constituents. She must refrain from distracting others with events that yield no common good.
“This behaviour is not in line with our character; thus, we, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, may be compelled to initiate the recall process if the current public abuse of her privilege of representation continues.
“We call upon the Senate to undertake the necessary disciplinary measures to serve as a deterrent to other serving senators.”
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Nigerian Govt files charges against MultiChoice Nigeria over price hike
Nigerian Govt files charges against MultiChoice Nigeria over price hike
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, accusing them of defying a regulatory order to suspend a proposed price increase.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, confirmed the charges.
The Commission had previously ordered MultiChoice to halt the planned price hike for DStv and GOtv services on February 27, pending an investigation into the increase. Despite this directive, MultiChoice proceeded with the price changes on March 1.
The charges, filed in the Federal High Court in Lagos, include three key allegations: obstructing the Commission’s investigation, failing to comply with regulatory instructions, and attempting to mislead the FCCPC.
Part of the statement reads, “Following the blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018.
“Specifically for willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike (Section 110), and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).”
The Commission described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.
“By disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission’s investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition,” the statement added.
In addition to the legal action, the FCCPC said it is considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to rising costs of delivering premium content.
According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company said, “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
While the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, the DStv Compact package is among the subscriptions expected to be affected by the price increase.
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Court orders forfeiture of N1.37 billion allegedly misappropriated during El-Rufai’s tenure as Governor
Court orders forfeiture of N1.37 billion allegedly misappropriated during El-Rufai’s tenure as Governor
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1.37 billion that was purportedly embezzled from the Kaduna State government’s funds between May 2015 and May 2023, while former Governor Nasir El-Rufai was in office.
The money was allegedly taken from the budget for a failed light rail project under the previous administration and transferred into a private account owned by Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited..
Justice H. Buhari, who presided over the case, granted the forfeiture order on February 28, 2025, following an ex parte application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC had traced the diverted funds to a private bank account, prompting the legal action.
The court also directed the ICPC to publish a notice in two national newspapers, calling for any individuals or entities with an interest in the funds to come forward and show cause why the amount should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
In its application, filed by ICPC lawyer E.O. Akponimisingha, the anti-graft agency highlighted that the light rail project, which was meant to improve transportation in the state, was never executed during the El-Rufai administration, depriving the people of Kaduna State of its intended benefits.
The funds were reportedly diverted through Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig Limited, a joint venture formed in 2016 between the state government and Indian investors, meant to oversee the rail project.
The case has been adjourned until April 8, 2025, when any interested parties wishing to claim the funds will have the opportunity to present their case before the court.