Coalition Urges EFCC to Prosecute Public Corruption Cases Against Betta Edu

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A coalition of civil society groups, led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiatives (EUYI), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public the corruption case against the former Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction Affairs, Dr. Beta Edu.

Edu was suspended after an alleged diversion of more than 585 million naira (US$640,000; £500,000) and other public funds into a personal bank account.

During a press conference held yesterday in Abuja, the coalition—headed by Convener Kennedy Tabuko of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups and Co‑Convener Danesi Momoh of EUYI—criticised Edu’s recent public appearances, particularly with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

The coalition said it had learned that the former minister continues to lobby for appearances at numerous government programmes at both state and federal levels.

They warned that this behaviour must stop, arguing that it tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation as a corrupt nation and erodes accountability for public officials.

Tabuko remarked that Nigeria is rapidly becoming a country where justice and consequences for misconduct are eroding. He added, “We note that abnormality is fast becoming normal while our norms and all that we hold dear are gradually giving way to mediocrity.”

He continued, “For Beta Edu specifically, it seems not to be a mere relaunch but a serious comeback, as if she does not care whose interests are harmed.”

He said, “Worst of all, Beta is seen moving freely and closely without any iota of shame around the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom we all thought should fight aggressively against corruption in whatever form it appears, given her background as a pastor of one of the most renowned churches in the world.”

Tabuko added, “Unfortunately, the EFCC has blatantly refused to disclose the findings of all corruption cases levelled against Beta Edu, yet will arrest and parade other citizens who commit less serious crimes because they have no one to speak for them.”

He said, “Our concern is not only about Beta Edu but also about many others whom we believe the EFCC and ICPC should have brought to book to serve as a deterrent.”

He urged the president and the first lady to consider the impact of their body language, noting that “if Mrs. Tinubu can be seen at a public function with a sacked government appointee who is still facing corruption charges, it speaks volumes and shapes public perception of the current administration.”

The coalition stated that it is essential for the APC‑led government to understand that Edu’s public appearances in the political arena not only shame the party but also bring gross disrepute to the entire country, the giant of Africa.

They questioned why a sacked minister accused of corruption, gross misconduct, and under investigation would accompany the president on an international assignment, calling it a “shame.”

While demanding the EFCC bring justice to Edu’s case, the coalition issued a five‑day ultimatum before taking further action on the streets.

They said, “We demand that until Beta Edu’s case is decided and the EFCC makes public the corruption cases against the sacked minister, it will constitute a bad public image for the government and our dear nation to see Beta Edu around the corridors of power. The president and the first lady should take note of this.”