NSIPA CEO Detained Over Alleged N17 Billion Cash Movement: EFCC Launches Investigation |Omohglobalnews

 

By Oshiobugie John

In a shocking turn of events, Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the suspicious movement of N17 billion from the NSIPA account to undisclosed accounts within a week. 

Following her suspension, the EFCC, after an hours-long siege, arrested Halima Shehu, who remains in custody at press time. The arrest is linked to alleged payments amounting to billions of naira made by the agency without presidential approval.

The EFCC’s scrutiny into the irregular payments prompted the suspension of Halima Shehu, a move aimed at facilitating an unhindered investigation into the financial discrepancies.

Sources reveal that the EFCC may have recommended Shehu’s suspension to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The interception and recovery of the N17 billion highlight the urgency with which the EFCC is addressing the alleged financial infractions.

The EFCC’s investigation also extends to a director within the agency suspected of complicity in the sizable payments to the undisclosed accounts.

Simultaneously, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, faces interrogation by the EFCC for an alleged money laundering amounting to N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The investigation revolves around a contractor named James Okwete, although Umar-Farouq denies any association with the implicated contractor.

The EFCC’s letter to the ex-minister requests her presence for an interview, citing money laundering concerns during her time as minister. The urgency of the investigation is evident as the scheduled interview is set for Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10 am.

The unfolding events paint a picture of financial impropriety within the NSIPA, prompting swift action from the EFCC and raising questions about accountability and transparency in the agency’s financial transactions.