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  • Betta Edu faces EFCC grilling today

    Betta Edu faces EFCC grilling today

    • Suspended minister blocked from Aso Villa
    • Finance minister to streamline cash transfer process

    Suspended Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Dr. Betta Edu will today be grilled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N585 million fraud in her ministry.

    Edu, who was suspended yesterday by President Bola Tinubu, is being accused of paying the Humanitarian Fund into a private account.

    The N585 million was meant for payment of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Cross River and Ogun states.

    Edu is the first minister to be suspended from office since member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were sworn in in August last year.

    Before her appointment as minister, she had served as Health commissioner in Cross River State and National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Following her suspension, Edu was blocked from seeing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had directed the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate the financial activities of the ministry and some of its agencies.

    A source said that her access tag was withdrawn by a security agent at the State House, Abuja.

    The President also directed a panel, headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to investigate the financial structure and operations of the social investment programmes, with a view to restructuring relevant institutions and programmes.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum hailed Edu’s suspension. They described it as upholding the anti-corruption disposition of the Administration.

    The President’s directives on the probe were contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.

    Edu, who was directed to hand over the affairs of the ministry to the Permanent Secretary, was also advised to cooperate fully with the investigating bodies

    The statement reads: “In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

    “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

    “The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

    “Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes, with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.

    “These directives of the President take immediate effect.”

    Uzodimma: President’s action can’t be queried

    The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, (PGF) Uzodimma, said Edu’s suspension by the president cannot be queried. He told State House Reporters after visiting the President.

    He said: “This is very clear. Whether progressive governor forum, or whether as governor of Imo State, we have only one president whose wisdom we cannot question. And what is more, if there are allegations and the President said I want to look into it, I think it’s consistent with the law and the oath of office he swore to.

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    “So, I don’t think it is something that we will begin to create a menu now for the media. So, et’s allow the sleeping dog to lie.”

    Tinubu should dismantle ‘emerging political cartel’

    Ndume, who represents Borno South District,  commended Tinubu for suspending Edu over alleged diversion of funds.

    The senator, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, also called on the President to as a matter of urgency, check the excesses of those he described as an ‘emerging political cartel,’ warning that it may be worse than a cabal.

    The Senate Chief Whip, who spoke on phone, said: “What President Tinubu has done is very timely. The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is a welcome development. It will allow the relevant agencies to conduct a proper investigation.

     ”Some people in the same position Tinubu is today would not have acted. But, as a leader who is in charge, he acted swiftly and the minister has been suspended. We should commend the President. This is something Nigerians should commend.

    “But the President should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The President must act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.”

    “If they’re not stopped, they’ll be stronger and worse than a cabal. The President must not allow that to happen. I don’t think what the Minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone.

    “The President needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance. We are hopeful that the President will take more decisive actions in the future.”

    Arewa youths: suspension okay

    The AYCF hailed President Tinubu over the suspension, urging the EFCC to do a thorough job.

    In a statement by its President General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the AYCF said the suspension has clearly shown the direction of the administration.

    It reads: “The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is an indication that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has zero tolerance for any form of corruption.

    “He has equally demonstrated capacity to run an administration that will not give room for anything that is capable of tarnishing his administration and this should be a signal to other Ministers to take redress.

    “We as a youth body is hereby reiterate our support to the Tinubu administration and urge him to throw more search light on other of his cabinet members to ensure that they do not engage in any activities that will undermine his administration.

    “With the present development, our eyes will be on all the serving ministers, with the view to exposing any of them with corrupt tendencies.”

  • N37b: EFCC quizzes ex-Minister Sadiya

    N37b: EFCC quizzes ex-Minister Sadiya

    For hours yesterday, crack detectives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) grilled a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq over alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44.

    The immediate past minister, was is facing allegation of laundering the money through a contractor, James Okwete.

    But in line with the new policy of the commission, Sadiya was asked to go home on bail for another round of interrogation today.

    According to a top source, the ex-Minister appeared for interrogation at about 10.30pm

    She had asked for a three-week grace before answering EFCC’s invitation, but the agency granted her only three days grace.

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    In order to avoid being declared wanted, the ex-Minister reported at the EFCC’s headquarters.

    “She has complied with our 72-hour ultimatum, her investigation by our team has started,” the top source confirmed. 

    In what appeared a confidence-building tweet, the ex-Minister said: ”I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating,”

    As at 6.15pm, Sadiya has made what a source described as “a useful statement.”

    Another source, who was in the know of the interaction, said: “We have been grilling her for many hours on all the issues we have isolated for her.

    “In line with our new policy, we will allow her to go home. She will however come on Tuesday for another round of interrogation.”

  • EFCC’s invasion of DIL: MAN calls for restraint by govt agencies

    EFCC’s invasion of DIL: MAN calls for restraint by govt agencies

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, called on government agencies to exercise restraints and be mindful of the wider implications of their actions on Nigeria’s fragile business environment.

    MAN was reacting to the invasion of the headquarters of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives as part of EFCC’s ongoing investigation into forex allocations in the country.

    The Association said it believes that it is within the remit of EFCC to do so, and that no company is above investigation. It, however, said it is about the appropriateness of the method and the sheer brigandage on display.

    ‘‘It is whether it will take an armed invasion by dozens of security operatives to get documents from a well-structured and clearly identifiable company like DIL,’’ MAN said, in a statement signed by its Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, and made available to The Nation.

    The statement said: ‘‘We received the news of the invasion of the DIL by dozens of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives with great shock.

    We also understand that about 50 other companies are also being investigated, probably with a likelihood of receiving the same ill treatment.

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    ‘‘But the question is: what is the wisdom in security operatives swooping on the headquarters of a leading African conglomerates only to demand for documents relating to allocation of foreign exchange to the Group in the last 10 years? Is it that the company refused to respond to a request to present those documents?

    ‘‘Are those documents only available with DIL and not in the Central Bank or the relevant commercial banks? Was there a possibility of armed resistance, if the EFCC operatives had come unarmed and devoid of the gestapo style invasion? Why hurt the corporate image and disrupt the business operations of the company?’’

    Ajayi-Kadir said the fact that the administration is currently actively engaged in activities aimed at attracting foreign investors should dictate a more circumspect and civil way to make enquiries and secure documents from existing/domestic operators.

    ‘‘There is no doubt that this news has gone around the world and many, including would-be investors, would be taken aback and anxiously awaiting how the story will end. This may not be the best way to show that Nigeria is committed to good corporate governance,’’ he said.

    The MAN DG further stated that because of the status of DIL within the Nigerian economy, Africa and the world ‘‘the outcome of this rather unfortunate incident may have great impact on how we are perceived as respecters of the right of business entities.’’

    He, therefore, said government agencies should exercise restraints and be mindful of the wider implications of their actions on Nigeria’s fragile business environment.

    ‘‘I think it is important for the EFCC to take steps to clear the air on the negative interpretation being adduced to this action. This is necessary to reassure existing business concerns and encourage would-be investors,’’Ajayi-Kadir stated.

  • EFCC: We visited DangoteHQ with search warrant

    EFCC: We visited DangoteHQ with search warrant

    • Search, unwarranted embarrassment, says Dangote Industries

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it visited Dangote Group Headquarters with a search warrant for some vital documents on forex allocations to the company from 2014 to 2023 during the tenure of former Governor of Cental Bank of Nigeria ( CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.

    It said it decided to search the head office of  Dangote Group because the company was not forthcoming with the documents it was requested to provide.

    The commission said the visit was justified because its operatives were “able to get the vital documents they wanted.”

    It said it would  not join issues with the company but  asked Nigerians to wait for the outcome of the investigation.

    But Dangote Group   in a statement, said no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within its group.

    It said the visit of the EFCC to its office was “designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment.”

    Following alleged foot dragging on its request for the details of  foreign exchange allocation to Dangote Group since 2014, EFCC sent a team of detectives to the head office of the firm last Thursday .

    Although Dangote Group and 51 other companies were asked to submit forex allocation details, a top source in EFCC said the Thursday  search was compelling.

    The  source, who spoke  with our correspondent last night, said: “We demanded for some vital documents but Dangote Group was not forthcoming.”

    The source said after  obtaining a  search warrant, the commission sent its operatives to  the head office of Dangote Group.

     “We did not storm or raid the office because we allowed staff, customers and visitors to go in and out of the place. The search was justifiable because our operatives got the vital documents they wanted on foreign exchange allocations to Dangote Group, “he said. 

    Responding to a question, he declared: “As an anti-graft agency, EFCC will not join issues with Dangote Group but Nigerians should wait for the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

    “No one or group can impede or delay investigation. We cannot be deterred, we will get to the roots of the forex allocations in 10 years.”

    On its part, the management of Dangote Group clarified that it delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC and was “actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.”

    The company said: “Following the widely reported recent visit of the officials of the EFCC to our headquarters in Lagos on 4 January 2024, we understand the concern and interest this has generated among our valued partners, stakeholders, and the public, and consider it necessary to provide a factual account of the events.

    “On 6 December 2023, we received a letter requesting for details of all the foreign exchange allocated to our company by the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 to the present.

    Read Also: N37b probe: Ex-minister gets EFCC’s 72-hour ultimatum

    “We understand similar letters were sent to 51 other Groups of companies requesting for same information spanning same period.

    “We responded to the EFCC to acknowledge receipt of the letter whilst seeking clarification on the subsidiaries or companies within the Group that they required information on.

    “We also requested for additional time to compile and properly present the extensive documentation spanning ten years.

    “However, the EFCC did not provide the clarification sought and also did not honour our request for an extension and insisted on receiving the complete set of documents within the limited timeframe.

    “Despite this constraint, we assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation.

    “On 4 January 2024, our team delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC. However, officers of the EFCC did not accept the documents, insisting on visiting our offices to collect the same set of documents directly.

    “Whilst our representatives were still at the EFCC’s office to deliver the documents, a team of their officers proceeded to visit our offices to demand for the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment.

    “Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from our Head office during their visit as these were already in their office.

    “We must emphasize that, to our knowledge, no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within our Group.” At present, we are only responding to a request for information to assist the EFCC with their ongoing investigation.”

    Dangote Group assured that it was prepared to cooperate with the EFCC.

    The company added: “As a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen, we remain committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation.

    “We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.

    “Our Group is a key contributor to the national GDP, the largest employer in the private sector, one of the largest groups listed on the Nigerian Exchange and one of the highest taxpayers in the country.

    ” We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and its dedication to fostering an environment conducive for investment and value creation for both local and foreign investors.

    “We therefore call for the understanding and patience of our stakeholders. We will keep our stakeholders informed of any further developments.” 

    The EFCC probe of foreign exchange allocations made during the Emefiele reign in the CBN is a fallout of the findings of the Special Investigator probing the apex bank, Jim Obazee.

    Obazee, in his findings and recommendations submitted to President Bola Tinubu on December 9, 2023,had accused Emefiele and his team of  serious mismanagement.

    Chief among the allegations against him was manipulation of the foreign exchange rate.

    He was also indicted for fraudulent use of the Ways and Means to the tune of N26.6tn, inappropriate intervention programmes and questionable expenditures on COVID-19.

    The findings are said to have spurred the EFCC into digging deeper into the foreign exchange deals.

    Its investigation took operatives of the agency to the Lagos headquarters of the Dangote Group on Thursday.

  • N37b probe: Ex-minister gets EFCC’s 72-hour ultimatum

    N37b probe: Ex-minister gets EFCC’s 72-hour ultimatum

    • Anti-graft agency rejects three weeks’ extension request by Sadiya Umar-Farouq

    Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, must appear at the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation, the agency has said.

    The minister, who cited health challenges, approached the anti-graft agency through her counsel, requesting that the deadline be extended by three weeks.

    But the Commission yesterday asked her to appear before its team within three days for interrogation.

    The ex-minister was invited over the alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44 in her ministry during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete.

    Although the ex-minister has denied having any link with the implicated contractor, the anti-graft commission insisted that she should come for questioning.

    The one-time minister formally wrote to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, that she was indisposed.

    A source said: “In her letter, she asked the EFCC to give her three weeks to attend to her health before honouring the commission’s investigation. The letter was delivered by her counsel on Wednesday.

    “But the EFCC said it cannot delay the investigation for three weeks. It has given the ex-minister three days to appear or risk being declared wanted.

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    “Olukoyede has put a new system in place such that you can appear before EFCC detectives and sleep in your home the same day. There is no need to panic at all.

    “We are expecting her; our team is on standby. Even if she requires medical help, we will avail her of our first-class facility.”

    EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said: “We got a letter from the ex-minister that she could not honour our invitation due to some health challenges.

    “Since her lawyer brought the letter, the EFCC has also responded accordingly.”

    The EFCC letter to the ex-minister reads: “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 of January, 2024. Time: 10am.

    “This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

    Oyewale, who spoke on the matter when he was featured on television, said the agency has directed her to honour the invitation without further delay.

    He said: “It is true that she didn’t show up, but she sent a letter pleading for more time, explaining that she had some health challenges.

    “She didn’t shun EFCC’s invitation. She actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up.

    “Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency on why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation.”

    The EFCC spokesman also explained that the N37.1 billion being mentioned might not be the correct amount misappropriated by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

    He said: “On the figure that is being bandied about, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing.

    “We are still tracing all the transactions here and there. It may be more than that.

    “We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking and it may be more than what is being brandished now.”

    Oyewale said that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has been released after interrogation.

    He added: “She was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure.

    “She has been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.”

  • Repositioning EFCC to tackle economic crimes 

    Repositioning EFCC to tackle economic crimes 

    By Ayodeji Seriki   

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002 by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, partly in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering, also known by its French name, Grouped’actionfinancière (GAFI).

    FATF had then ranked Nigeria as one of the 23 countries that were non-cooperative in the combined efforts to fight money laundering globally. Due to the identified inadequacies in the 2002 Establishment Act, the National Assembly repealed it and re-enacted the 2004 Establishment Act while the bill was signed into law on June 4, 2004 by President Obasanjo.

    Within the first few months of his assumption of office in 2003, the pioneer executive chairman of the commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,  hit the ground running and put the agency on a firm footing that was quick to enhance public confidence and earned it global recognition. 

    Within few years, Nigeria was able to command the respect it deserved as a country that was determined to nip corruption in the bud and make the country an ideal place to do business for local and foreign investors.

    Sadly, Ribadu was sent packing unceremoniously by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in December 2007, after the commission arrested a powerful politician, who was known to be a close ally to the late president, following his alleged involvement in corrupt activities. 

    In a jiffy, the commission lost its relevance and respect as many members of the public began to see it, under successive chairmen as nothing but a witch-hunting tool used to oppress and suppress people considered enemies of the ruling party.

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    With the emergence of AIG Ibrahim Mustafa Magu (rtd), who emerged EFCC chairman like a phoenix from the ashes, sanity didn’t only return to the commission but again brought the foremost anti-graft agency to the local and global reckoning.  

    One of his landmark achievements was his role in the celebrated P&ID case, which gave Nigeria a landmark victory at the Commercial Court of England and Wales. As Nigerians were heaving a sigh of relief that the commission had gotten its groove back, Magu was framed and removed after clashing with some political interests and heavyweights, who were close to power and saw the no-nonsense EFCC boss as a stumbling block. 

    Then came the immediate past chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who was believed to have been brought in from the blue, against all odds by the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). 

    Bawa, the first person without either military or police background to lead the commission, was accused of lack of discretion in running the anti-graft agency and tackling the big elephant in the room.

    Although he gave the commission a Strategic Plan Policy Document and implemented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for the commission’s departments, his tenure witnessed mixed-feelings from the staff and the general public. 

    President Bola Tinubu later suspended Bawa from office and appointed Abdulkarim Chukkol as the acting chairman to stabilise the commission. Chukkol tried his best to restore sanity at the foremost anti-graft agency. He also put in place certain measures to reassure the staff of the commission and informed Nigerians that the commission would live up to expectations 

     Fast forward to October 12, 2023, when President Tinubu approved the appointment of Ola Olukoyede as the executive chairman of the commission and was subsequently confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the commission appears to have opened a new chapter and ready to fulfil the purpose for which it was established. 

    In particular, the new Sheriff came with a clear-cut agenda of re-positioning and re-focusing the commission for optimal effectiveness.

    Olukoyede, who had been a principal officer in the commission and served creditably well under Magu, is not only a tested hand but a disciplined man who has an unblemished record of performance. 

    The new EFCC chairman must have studied the mood of the public when he declared within a few days of his assumption of office that anti-corruption fights should be premised on initiatives and modalities capable of stimulating economic growth and development in the overall interests of Nigerians.

    Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, while addressing officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, Olukoyede said, “There is need to redirect our focus towards what we were set up to do in Nigeria, which is to drive economic development. We will tilt our focus towards that area. We will work to drive economic development, create wealth and employment”.

    To me, if Olukoyede walks the talk and puts an end to the era of winding down businesses by way of investigation, the country will enter the good books of foreign investors. 

    His declaration that the commission would look into the mix-fund rules that separate proceeds of crimes from legitimate money so as to allow businesses to grow will rewrite the name of the commission in gold.

    If all these are done, it is a matter of time that EFCC would have helped, in line with its mandate, to make conscious efforts to redeem the image of the country in the global community. This is one measure that will tell the whole world that the anti-graft agency is ready to do the needful and put Nigeria among the comity of nations. 

    His promise that the agency would collaborate with other stakeholders to re-write the country’s history will go a long way in boosting not only Nigeria’s image but will encourage foreign direct investments (FDI) to impact positively on our ailing economy.

    As Olukoyede marches on in his determination to be the change agent, he should not forget his promise that the commission will uphold the core values of the EFCC which include integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration in the discharge of its duties in order to justify its engagement. 

    Another thing that would interest the progressive-minded Nigerians and potential investors is the new helmsman promise that the anti-corruption drive must open up an atmosphere of accountability and transparency in the country. 

    To demonstrate his seriousness, Olukoyede, who promised to use the instrumentality of the law to preside over the affairs of the agency, enjoined the EFCC staff in a recent event that, “You must be professional in all you do. Our image should reflect our core values. I have been part of this system. I was out for three years and I know the way things are”. 

    In line with the popular proverb that charity begins at home, the new EFCC chair won the hearts of many Nigerians when he tasked officers and men of the commission to be above board and insisted that asset declaration is compulsory for every staff. 

    It is instructive to note that while giving the directives, Olukoyede informed Nigerians that he had declared that his asset, stressing that all staff should declare theirs too.

    As promised by Olukoyede, the job will be half done if he can keep his promise on the three focal areas already identified and raises three posers as important thrusts of plying his new job. The three focal areas are: focus on the mandate of the EFCC, pursuit of transparency and accountability and building the image of Nigeria. To achieve these, he has dwelt on the need for collective responsibility, greater emphasis on preventive frameworks against graft and premium attention on transactional credits.

    Looking at the task ahead and the need for total commitment from all, Olukoyede also stated recently that, “We must come together and believe that, with the way financial crimes have overwhelmed our structures and systems in Nigeria, we can’t move forward and if we move forward, it will be at a snail speed…The time has come for us to show commitment”

    • Seriki, a public affairs analyst and commentator, contributes this piece from Lagos.

  • Ex-minister Sadiya Farouq didn’t shun invitation – EFCC

    Ex-minister Sadiya Farouq didn’t shun invitation – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says former Minister of Humanitarian Affair, Disaster Management, and Social Development Sadiya Umar-Farouq, did not shun its invitation as reported by a section of the media.

    The EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale said this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Oyewale explained that the former minister sent a letter that she couldn’t honour the invitation because she was indisposed due to health challenges.

    ”It is true that she didn’t show up but she sent a letter pleading for more time explaining that she had some health challenges.

    ”She didn’t shun EFCC invitation, she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up

    ”Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation,” the EFCC spokesman added.

    Oyewale said the commission had considered her plea, and expected that she would honour the invitation without further delay

    He said that there might not be any reason for her arrest as she had done the needful through her lawyer.

    ”The position of the commission is that she should turn herself in without further delay.”

    He also explained that the N37.1 billion being branded might not be a correct figure of the money misappropriated by the ministry

    ”On the figure that is being branded, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing, We are still tracing all the transactions here and there, it may be more than that.

    ”We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking and it may be more than what is being brandished now,” he said.

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    The spokesman also said that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, (NSIPA) Halima Shehu, has been released.

    Shehu who was arrested on Tuesday, has been released and directed to be coming to the EFCC office for interrogation until the end of investigation.

    She was arrested in connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry.

    “She was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she has been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.”(NAN)

  • EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts

    EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts

    • Anti-graft body grills coordinator, arrests ex-DFA
    • Ex-Humanitarian Affairs minister fails to honour agency’s invitation

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tracked N30 billion of the N44 billion moved from the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    The multiple accounts to which the funds were moved by some NSIPA officials have been frozen by the anti-graft agency as part of an ongoing probe.

    It was learnt that the N44 billion was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to those serving as fronts.

    Some of the officials of the agency have been undergoing investigation.

    For hours yesterday, EFCC interrogators grilled the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Halima Shehu.

    The anti-graft commission also arrested NSIPA’s immediate past Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mr. Bwai Adamu Hamza.

    Hamza retired from the agency in December.

    Shehu and Hamza were subjected to interrogation yesterday by a special team.

    Former Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, failed to honour the EFCC invitation to appear for interrogation.

    She also did not send any message on why she did not turn up.

    Officials designated to interrogate her waited in vain.

    The EFCC invited Umar-Farouq over the alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. The former minister denied the allegations.

    There were strong indications last night that having failed to turn up without explanation, the former minister might be declared wanted by the EFCC.

    Investigations showed that the ongoing probe of NSIPA assumed a new dimension following the discovery that the total cash taken out of the agency’s vaults was N44 billion.

    But, after tracking the movement of the cash, the EFCC recovered and froze the N30 billion it traced to multiple accounts.

    As of Tuesday, the agency had intercepted and seized N17 billion.

    Within 24 hours, the commission traced and froze an additional N13 billion in some accounts, raising the cash seized to N30 billion.

    Detectives were still profiling many accounts last night to uncover the balance of N14 billion.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said the EFCC Executive Chairman. Mr. Ola Olukoyede was personally leading the probe.

    The source said: “After hours of interrogation and profiling of many accounts, the EFCC was able to confirm that unauthorised N44 billion was suspiciously moved out of NSIPA’s account to some private and corporate accounts.

    Read Also: EFCC to probe former minister Farouk Sadiya over alleged N37bn fraud

    “So far, N30billion has been traced to some accounts and frozen.

    “Our operatives are on the trail of the owners and alleged fronts or firms used to siphon the cash.

    “Records showed that the N44 billion was hurriedly moved out of NSIPA’s account in one week.”

    As of press time, the EFCC had arrested Hamza in connection with the action.

    According to the investigation, Hamza, who retired on December 29, was picked up to clarify the movement of the cash under his watch.

    Shehu and Hamza were said to have “worked closely” in the agency.

    Another source said: “The National Coordinator and the ex-DFA were grilled by our investigating team for hours on Wednesday. Halima was taken into custody on Tuesday while Hamza was arrested yesterday.

    “Based on the new focus of the EFCC chairman, Halima was, on compassionate ground, allowed to go home at about 11pm on Tuesday. She reported for another round of interaction yesterday.

    “For Hamza, the EFCC arrested him following intelligence that he might travel out of the country for an engagement.”

    The source added: “The two persons have made useful statements and we have recovered some records which enabled us to trace and freeze N30 billion. For a long time, the two officials have been working together.

    “Immediately Hamza retired, Halima appointed him as a Special Adviser on Finance. He was expected to resume work on Tuesday.

    “Our team is, however, working round the clock to uncover the accounts where the remaining N14 billion was hidden.”

    On Umar-Farouq’s connection with the matter, her accuser, Okwete was in EFCC’s custody yesterday awaiting her arrival for a face-to-face interrogation.

    “We will give her some grace and if she does not honour our invitation, the EFCC will have no choice but to declare the ex-minister wanted.”

  • EFCC to probe former minister Farouk Sadiya over alleged N37bn fraud

    EFCC to probe former minister Farouk Sadiya over alleged N37bn fraud

    Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, is expected to be interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about an alleged N37.1 billion fraud.

    A top EFCC source confirmed this to Channels Television in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, January 3.

    Umar-Farouk held a ministerial position under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to May 29, 2023.

    The former minister had been invited by the anti-graft agency following an investigation that was launched into her tenure in the ministry.

    Read Also: N17b cash: EFCC detains social investment scheme coordinator

    She was the subject of an investigation over N37.1 billion that was purportedly laundered when she was in charge through a contractor named James Okwete.

    A week later, the former minister received an invite to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters located at Jabi, Abuja, by 10:00 am.

    According to the source, she is yet to honour the invite and some other officials who served under her had also been invited to provide more information into how the affairs of the ministry were run in the last four years.

  • N17b cash: EFCC detains social investment scheme coordinator

    N17b cash: EFCC detains social investment scheme coordinator

    • NSIPA CEO suspended over suspicious movement of cash
    • Ex-Humanitarian Affairs minister for interrogation today

    A few hours after her suspension, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.

    She was still being detained as at press time last night.

    Halima Shehu was picked up in connection with the movement of N17 billion from NSIPA account to some suspicious accounts within one week.

    The interception and recovery of the cash followed some alleged payments of billions of naira by the agency without presidential approval.

    It was learnt that the EFCC might have recommended Halima Shehu’s suspension to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Her suspension, based on preliminary investigation, was to pave the way for an unfettered probe of the infraction.

    Operatives of the commission, who were drafted to the National Coordinator’s private office and home, arrested her at about 8pm yesterday.

    After searching her home and office, she was taken into custody at about 9pm for interrogation.

    It was also learnt that the EFCC was closing in on a director of the agency, who was allegedly complicit in the huge payments into the suspicious accounts.

    But, some crack operatives of the EFCC will today interrogate a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, for allegedly laundering N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete.

    The ex-minister has disowned the implicated contractor.

    She might be quizzed today by a team of interrogators.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that following intelligence, the EFCC uncovered “unusual movement of billions of naira” from NSIPA’s account.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The EFCC raised a red flag on the suspicious payments of billions of Naira into some individual and corporate accounts. Preliminary investigation showed that there was no presidential approval for the payment of such humongous funds

    “Pre-emptive steps were immediately put in place to track the suspicious funds. So far, about N17 billion has been intercepted and recovered from some accounts by this commission.

    “Our team is working round the clock to trace the remaining billions of Naira suspected to have been laundered from the Social Investment cash.”

    An EFCC source told our correspondent how the NSIPA boss was arrested.

    He said: “Shortly after her suspension, EFCC operatives laid siege to her office in Maitama District but it took almost two hours to arrest her. While the siege lasted, the EFCC chairman directed that the operatives should not break into her office or her residence.

    “Eventually, she was arrested and detained by our team. Her grilling immediately started based on preliminary findings.”

    As at press time, it was gathered that the EFCC might have recommended Halima Shehu’s suspension, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

    Before Halima’s appointment, she worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme .

    She also served with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development between 2017 and 2022.

    Investigation confirmed that the President wielded the big stick yesterday because Halima Shehu had earlier defied a presidential directive to work with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, to pay the outstanding and statutory stipends to beneficiaries of the N-Power programme before Christmas.

    The N-Power programme was created by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to address youth unemployment with the beneficiaries earning N30,000 monthly.

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    About 400,000 beneficiaries have not received monthly stipends in the past few months.

    A highly-placed source said: “The suspended National Coordinator did not work with the minister as expected on N-Power. Following the defiance of the presidential directive, the presidency asked the minister to liaise with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay the N-Power beneficiaries.

    “In the midst of this challenge, the EFCC intercepted suspicious payments by NSIPA. The president had no choice than to approve her suspension as requested by the EFCC.”

    The EFCC was on the trail of a director of the Social Investment Agency who was central to the suspicious payments.

    On Umar-Farouq, a source said: “We have invited her. Our team is set to interact with her because the affected contractor has made some statements which we need to interrogate.”

    In a letter to the ex-minister, the EFCC said: “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 of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”