In a surprising turn of events, Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, has confessed to inadvertently withdrawing a staggering ₦44 billion from the government account within 5 days. However, she claims it was a mistake. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) swiftly took action, recovering ₦39.8 billion of the misappropriated funds.
Shehu, embroiled in the alleged ₦44 billion money laundering scandal, was recently arrested by the EFCC following her suspension by President Bola Tinubu. The National Coordinator has been granted bail and must report daily to the EFCC Headquarters during the ongoing investigation.
According to our exclusive sources, the EFCC, acting on intelligence, detected “unusual movement of billions of naira” from the NSIPA’s account. It’s worth noting that agency heads are typically limited to approval amounts of N10 million from government coffers.
A confidential source revealed, “The EFCC flagged suspicious payments of billions of naira into individual and corporate accounts. Preliminary investigation disclosed the absence of presidential or ministerial approval for such substantial fund transfers from government coffers.”
Following Shehu’s suspension, EFCC operatives patiently waited at her office in the Maitama District, refraining from forced entry. The arrest took nearly nine hours and involved Shehu making frantic calls for assistance or escape.
The source stated, “Upon her eventual arrest, our team immediately commenced questioning based on preliminary findings.”
This unfolding financial scandal has raised serious concerns about the misuse of government funds and the need for stringent oversight. As investigations continue, the nation awaits further revelations into the shocking financial irregularities surrounding Halima Shehu and the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
