Nigeria recovers $28.8M linked to suspended poverty alleviation minister

By Timothy Olanrewaju

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria's anti-corruption commission announced Monday that it recovered $28.8 million from the suspended minister of poverty alleviation, who is currently being investigated for fraud.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the probe of suspended Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu uncovered a "web of fraudulent practice."

"So far, 32.7 billion naira ($28.43 million) and $445,000 have been recovered during the investigation into the activities of the suspended minister and ministry officials," Oyewale disclosed.

He said the commission is equally investigating commercial banks in the country indicated in the fraud as the probe continues.

Edu and some top government officials were suspended by President Bola Tinubu in January for the diversion of funds meant for aid to the poor into private accounts.

On April 9, the anti-corruption commission announced the recovery of $24 million from the minister.