Suspended NSIPA coordinator, Halima Shehu in EFCC Custody Over Alleged N37.1bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained the suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.
Shehu is detained over the ongoing probe of N37.1 billion allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
A source within the EFCC confirmed to newsmen on Wednesday, January 3, that Shehu was in custody at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where she was facing interrogation.
The source revealed that Shehu was indicted in the alleged 37.1bn fraud as the ministry’s former national coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.
“Halima Shehu, yes, she is with us. She is currently undergoing interrogation. She was brought in on Tuesday,” the source stated.
It was also learnt that the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk is scheduled to be questioned on Wednesday (today) at the EFCC headquarters over the fund.
President Bola Tinubu suspended Shehu from office on Tuesday over the alleged crime.
Meanwhile, Umar-Farouk (the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development) has denied knowing James Okwete, the contractor the EFCC detained on suspicion of laundering the N37 billion.
She described the accusation as an assault on her person.
In a message published on her Instagram page and X handle on Monday, December 25, 2023, Umar-Farouk denied any knowledge of Okwete.
“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 for the malicious attack on my person,” she wrote.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Umar-Farook the first minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development ministry in July 2019.
