Presidency says Betta Edu under investigation over directive to pay N585m into private account

The presidency has said that it is investigating the transfer of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

“The matter is under investigation,” according to Daily Trust quoting the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“Appropriate Action will be taken thereafter,” Onanuga added.

Recall that the minister became a top news item when a document signed by her leaked which directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.

The minister had, in a statement on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, said the payment followed due process.

Zubair had explained that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account because she currently serves as the project accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups. He said it is legal in the civil service for a staff member, to be paid, use the same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.