N585m fraud: Betta Edu says allegation baseless, as AGF faults payment into personal account

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has described the N585.19 million fraud allegation against her as baseless and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption.

The embattled minister made this known in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday.

In a viral document personally signed by her and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), the minister instructed the payment of the funds, meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos States, to be made into the account of one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu, who the ministry said currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

In the memo that surfaced on Friday, Edu directed the AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein to transfer N585 million to Oniyelu’s private account.

But the AGF faulted the ‘disbursement’ of the fund into a personal account.

On Friday, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said that the N585.18 million grant for vulnerable groups in four states was approved and followed the stipulated due process of government.

The minister noted that the allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors who seek to frustrate her efforts in her fight against corruption and uplifting the needy.

She said: “I am writing to address recent news circulating about alleged fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation.

“As the minister, I want to assure you that these claims are baseless and an attempt to undermine the efforts we are making to fight corruption and uplift those in need.

“In the course of our work, we have encountered resistance from forces whose hands may not be clean, but I want to emphasise that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and eradicating corruption remains unwavering.

“The challenges we face only strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and dedication.

“I believe in the power of truth prevailing, and with God as my strength, I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the less privileged. Your trust and support are invaluable as we navigate through these unfounded allegations”.

In a statement on Friday, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the minister, Rasheed Zubair said the payment for the vulnerable group followed due process.

According to her, the payment of the grant to the account of Oniyelu was because the fellow currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

In response to the development, the AGF said she did not honour the request.

She said it was not her responsibility to make payments for projects and programmes on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Madein’s position was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Director of Press in the Office of the AGF, Bawa Mokwa.

He quoted the AGF as saying that allocations were released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget and such MDAs were responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

The AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the ministry, it did not carry out the payment, adding that the ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.

“The AGF noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.

“She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts.

“Dr. Madein reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances. She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions”, the statement said.