Civil Society Coalition Demands Tinubu and EFCC Disclose Outcome of Corruption Case Against Ex-Minister Betta Edu

A coalition of civil society organizations publicly called on President Bola Tinubu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 28 to disclose the findings and outcome in the corruption case against former Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu. Edu was suspended in January 2024 following a whistleblower report that she allegedly directed the transfer of ₦585 million in federal welfare funds to a private account belonging to herself and associates — funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians. Edu denied wrongdoing and the EFCC subsequently announced an investigation, but civil society groups including the Tabuko Coalition and Transparency International Nigeria noted that over 16 months had passed without a public update, arraignment, or case closure. The coalition directed a formal petition to Tinubu's Chief of Staff and EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede demanding a public timeline for case resolution. The demand came days before Tinubu's 3-year anniversary in office and amid ongoing questions about whether the administration's anti-corruption record matches its 'Renewed Hope' branding.