By: Manoah Kikekon
The CEOs of Zenith, Providus, and Jaiz banks have been asked to explain what they know about the financial misappropriation charges levelled against Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
The top bankers were at the EFCC's offices on Tuesday to discuss the matter, according to multiple sources.
According to the Gazette, Zenith Bank CEO Ebenezer Onyeagwu was promptly allowed to leave after answering preliminary questions from anti-graft detectives, but it was unclear whether he would return for additional sessions.
The anti-graft agency is currently investigating numerous cases of substantial public funds being directed into private accounts, an action sanctioned by Mses Edu and Farouq in their capacity as ministers.
Ms Farouq, who oversaw the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under the previous administration, is also being investigated for mismanagement of at least N37 billion in public funds set aside for then-President Muhammadu Buhari's conditional cash transfer programme.
The large-scale movement of funds into private accounts was aided by a possible deliberate failure to flag suspicious transactions, which banks are required to do under various anti-financial crime laws and Central Bank directives, according to The Gazette sources.
A spokesman for Providus Bank told The Gazette the matter development was "under review,"
In an email to The Gazette on Tuesday evening, a spokesman for Providus Bank stated that the matter was "under review," but did not elaborate. Jaiz did not respond to a request for comments.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale declined the reques of people to comment on the matter on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, Ms Edu has stated that her hands are clean and that she is committed to fighting corruption in the wake of the controversy surrounding her illegal request to wire funds into a private account.
Ms Edu made the statement in a Facebook post addressed to Npower beneficiaries.
"Dear Npower Beneficiaries, I want to assure you all to remain calm and steadfast amidst the recent accusations and suspension I am facing. My heart and hands are clean, and I am committed to fighting corruption,” Ms Edu said.
She added, “It’s essential to be aware that some individuals with impure intentions may use government machinery against you. Stay strong, and together, we will navigate through these challenges.”
There have been several financial corruption investigations since President Bola Tinubu assumed power, resulting in the detention of prominent figures like the disgraced CBN governor Godwin Emefiele and EFCC chair Rasheed Bawa.