By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
EFCC interrogates CEOs of Zenith, Jaiz, and Providus Banks in financial irregularities probe.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) engaged in questioning the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Zenith, Jaiz, and Providus banks on Tuesday over alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. A reliable source within the commission informed Daily Trust about the ongoing investigation.
The EFCC also took into custody the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, for her involvement in directing a payment of N585.189 million meant for vulnerable groups into a private account.
A senior EFCC official disclosed that the CEOs and MDs of the mentioned banks were being probed regarding financial irregularities uncovered in the ministry. The investigation revolves around the disbursement of grants meant for vulnerable groups in specific states.
The banks, including Zenith, Jaiz, and Providus, were reportedly invited to provide information on customers who are direct beneficiaries of the grants. While calls and messages to the banks’ corporate communications were unanswered, sources within the banks confirmed the routine invitation, emphasizing their cooperation with the anti-graft agency.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate suspension of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over a N438 million contract awarded to a company he co-founded. The opposition party urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action to protect resources meant for the wellbeing of Nigerians and hand Tunji-Ojo over to the EFCC for investigation.
In alignment with this demand, a prominent lawyer and social critic, Audu Bulama Bukarti, also called for Tunji-Ojo’s suspension and investigation. The lawyer highlighted suspicions surrounding the contract and urged scrutiny of other contracts.
As the controversy unfolds, the Minister of Interior visited the Presidential Villa amid the ongoing discussions about the N438 million consultancy contract awarded to a company linked to him. The minister refuted reports that he was summoned by the president, stating, “We’re too intelligent to be stupid.”
While the legality of the contract is debated, legal experts such as Tawo Eja Tawo (SAN) and Ben Anachebe (SAN) have expressed differing views on the matter. Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, has also voiced its support for President Bola Tinubu in the fight against corruption, urging a thorough investigation into the allegations without interference.