EFCC’s Probe into Alleged N37 Billion Fraud: Halima Shehu’s Release Amid Ongoing Investigation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently garnered attention by releasing Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), after an extensive questioning session.

The investigation revolved around the staggering sum of N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, formerly headed by Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this development to this reporter on Thursday, stressing the agency’s directive for Mrs Shehu’s availability whenever required.

“We have never detained her. She has been coming and going,” Mr Oyewale stated, contrasting reports suggesting her detainment after EFCC officials raided NSIPA’s office in the Federal Secretariat, FCT, and transferred her to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Mrs Shehu, responsible for overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme during President Buhari’s tenure, underwent scrutiny regarding fund movements from the ministry’s accounts. Reports link her involvement with the N37.1 billion case during her tenure as the National Coordinator of the programme.

President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Mrs. Shehu from her roles as CEO and National Coordinator of NSIPA marked a significant step pending the investigation’s conclusion. In the interim, Mr. Akindele Egbuwalo has been appointed in an acting capacity.

Meanwhile, the EFCC summoned Mrs Umar-Farouk for questioning concerning the same alleged money laundering case that transpired during her tenure, involving the substantial sum.

The unfolding events underscore the EFCC’s continual efforts to uphold transparency and accountability within public offices. 

However, the contradictory information about Mrs Shehu’s status, being both free and reportedly detained, presents a notable discrepancy requiring further clarification.

This saga raises critical inquiries into governmental fund management and amplifies the necessity for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent financial misappropriation.

Amidst ongoing investigations, this high-profile case accentuates the indispensable role of accountability in governance and underscores the urgency for stringent measures to safeguard public funds.