Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This development follows the EFCC’s clarification regarding the reported absence of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, from an invitation extended by the commission.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesperson, debunked media reports suggesting Umar-Farouq shunned the EFCC’s invitation. Oyewale stated that the former minister had sent a letter citing health challenges as the reason for her inability to honour the invitation. He confirmed that Umar-Farouq’s lawyer had also visited the commission to provide details regarding her absence.
Oyewale affirmed the commission’s expectation for Umar-Farouq to comply with the invitation promptly. He highlighted that the EFCC had considered her plea and emphasised the necessity for her to appear without further delay.
Regarding the speculated misappropriation of funds totalling N37.1 billion from the ministry, Oyewale clarified that this figure might not accurately represent the extent of funds misused. He explained that ongoing investigations were underway to trace and evaluate all related transactions, hinting that the actual amount misappropriated might surpass the reported figure.
In connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry, Halima Shehu, previously arrested on Tuesday, has been released. However, the EFCC has directed her to report to their office for further interrogation throughout the investigation process. Shehu, who oversaw the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under President Buhari’s administration, faced inquiries concerning funds that exited the ministry during her tenure.
