The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ramped up its investigation into the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), seizing N30 billion amidst a probe into the alleged transfer of N44 billion from the agency’s accounts.
Sources privy to the investigation revealed that EFCC operatives traced a substantial portion of the N44 billion to multiple private and corporate accounts. These accounts are believed to be directly linked to a suspicious movement of funds orchestrated by key officials within NSIPA, purportedly using proxies as intermediaries.
In a significant turn of events, Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, faced extensive questioning by EFCC personnel on Wednesday. Simultaneously, the EFCC made a high-profile arrest, detaining Bwai Adamu Hamza, the former Director of Finance and Accounts at NSIPA, who recently retired from the agency in December.
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Meanwhile, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, found herself in the spotlight as she declined to attend the EFCC summons regarding allegations of laundering a staggering N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The accusations surfaced regarding financial dealings allegedly involving a contractor named James Okwete. Umar-Farouq vehemently refuted these claims.
This latest development intensifies the spotlight on NSIPA’s financial activities, painting a picture of potential irregularities and misuse of funds. However, official statements from the EFCC and the individuals implicated in the investigation are yet to be obtained.
As the investigation progresses, the EFCC’s actions signal a proactive stance in unraveling the complexities surrounding the alleged financial improprieties within NSIPA.
