THE National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu was allegedly suspended over the ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
Impeccable senior officers of the EFCC, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Shehu was indicted in connection with the alleged 37.1bn fraud as the former National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry.
“Halima was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she’s been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.
“The former Minister, Sadiya is also expected at the office today (Wednesday) for questioning over the N37.1bn money laundering case.”
This newspaper reports that Shehu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja today to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch, a document seen by our correspondent on Saturday revealed.
The document partly read: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during your time as Minister.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday 3rd, January, 2024. 10:00 am. This request is made pursuant to section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 & section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Responding, the former minister, has denied knowing a contractor, James Okwete, who was arrested by the EFCC for alleged fraud.
News Point Nigeria reports that she also said she served as a minister with every sense of responsibility and would defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.
Umar-Farouk made the rebuttal in the early hours of Tuesday, December 26, in a message posted on her official X handle (formerly Twitter) and Instagram page.
“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.
“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person”, she added.
