The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). Multiple accounts linked to NSIPA officials involved in the suspicious transfer of N44 billion have been frozen by the anti-graft agency.
The ongoing probe saw the suspension of NSIPA’s National Coordinator/CEO, Halima Shehu, who underwent extensive interrogation by EFCC officials. Additionally, the former Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) at NSIPA, Bwai Adamu Hamza, retired in December and was arrested for questioning.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, faced an EFCC invitation related to the alleged laundering of N37.17 billion during her tenure. However, she failed to appear for interrogation, raising the possibility of being declared wanted.
The investigation unveiled that a total of N44 billion had been taken from NSIPA’s vaults. EFCC swiftly traced and froze N30 billion across multiple accounts, seizing N17 billion initially and an additional N13 billion within 24 hours. Detectives are actively profiling accounts to uncover the whereabouts of the remaining N14 billion.
EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, personally oversees the investigation, reiterated the urgency in unraveling the unauthorized movement of funds from NSIPA’s account to private and corporate accounts. The agency is diligently pursuing the owners and entities associated with the fund siphoning.
Hamza was arrested following intelligence of potential international travel, and Shehu, who appointed him as a Special Adviser on Finance upon his retirement, worked closely in the agency. Both have provided valuable statements, aiding the recovery of records and the freezing of N30 billion.
As the probe unfolds, Halima Shehu was temporarily released on compassionate grounds but resumed interactions with the EFCC. However, Umar-Farouq’s accuser, James Okwete, currently in EFCC custody, awaits her arrival for face-to-face interrogation. The EFCC warns that if she fails to honor the invitation, they may declare the ex-minister wanted.