Nigeria's president has suspended a minister over the alleged diversion of more than 585 million naira ($640,000; £500,000) of public money into a personal bank account.

Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended on Monday following public outrage over the scandal.

A statement from President Bola Tinubu's office said he had ordered an investigation into Dr Edu's ministry.

Dr Edu has denied any wrongdoing.

Her office said she had approved the transfer into a personal account, which was not in her name, but said it was for the "implementation of grants to vulnerable groups".

Dr Edu, 37, is the youngest minister in President Tinubu's cabinet and is seen as a close ally of the president.

The suspension of a minister is a rare occurrence in Nigeria - Dr Edu is the first to lose their job since President Tinubu took office in May last year.

His predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, sacked only two ministers during his eight-year tenure.

Last week, local media reported on a leaked document that allegedly showed Dr Edu instructing a senior treasury official to transfer the money to the personal account of Bridget Oniyelu, the accountant for the government's Grants for Vulnerable Groups initiative.

Reports that Dr Edu had asked for the funds be moved to a personal account, rather than a government one, caused outrage.

Mr Tinubu called for an investigation into the transfer on Sunday.
He asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a "thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation," said a statement released on Monday.

Mr Tinubu asked Dr Edu to comply with the investigation. The president also called for the reform of government institutions tasked with social development, stressing a need to "win back lost public confidence in the initiative".

trutharena:
Tinubu would have been a perfect president if not for the issue of fuel subsidy removal and forex subsidy.

When his government get it right in this 2023 with their finance and Dangote refinery coming on stream which will lead to Less FX need for import, things might start getting better.

I’m glad Tinubu ain’t docile. He is in charge of his government!!!

MrEverest:
Lol, I pity those still taking BBC serious. This useless establishment is not a media house but rather a propaganda machinery of the British government. Of all the serious issues bedeviling Nigeria they saw non to conduct investigation on. Hundreds are literally being slaughtered in middle belt but they never sent a reporter talk more of investigation. Election was blatantly rigged but BBC never did investigative journalism. What about #endsars? No!

However, this pathetic establishment had time to investigate late TB Joshua. Now, they're saying trash again that isn't even factual just to promote their evil interests.

Spit!

pharmagba:
It's paining you badly as Tinubu whom you hate for no reason is making all the right moves to savage Nigeria. Please pity yourself.

Racoon:
Which right moves? Does Nigeria appears salvageable under this corrupt government ably led by a man with many criminal past himself? Dey play!

MrEverest:
Lol, I pity those still taking BBC serious. This useless establishment is not a media house but rather a propaganda machinery of the British government. Of all the serious issues bedeviling Nigeria they saw non to conduct investigation on. Hundreds are literally being slaughtered in middle belt but they never sent a reporter talk more of investigation. Election was blatantly rigged but BBC never did investigative journalism. What about #endsars? No!

However, this pathetic establishment had time to investigate late TB Joshua. Now, they're saying trash again that isn't even factual just to promote their evil interests.

Spit!

It was not clear if the preacher got wind of the BBC documentary on him before his death but the recent videos released reviewed that he passed on days after of his victims granted an interview with the BBC bothering on sexual abuse, torture and manipulations.

MrEverest:
Lol, I pity those still taking BBC serious. This useless establishment is not a media house but rather a propaganda machinery of the British government. Of all the serious issues bedeviling Nigeria they saw non to conduct investigation on. Hundreds are literally being slaughtered in middle belt but they never sent a reporter talk more of investigation. Election was blatantly rigged but BBC never did investigative journalism. What about #endsars? No!

However, this pathetic establishment had time to investigate late TB Joshua. Now, they're saying trash again that isn't even factual just to promote their evil interests.

Spit!