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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken action in an ongoing investigation, freezing N30 billion of the N44 billion traced from the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The substantial amount was suspiciously diverted into private and corporate accounts linked to individuals acting as fronts for the operation.

Several NSIPA officials are currently under investigation, with the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, Halima Shehu, and the former Director of Finance and Accounts, Bwai Adamu Hamza, facing intensive interrogation by the EFCC. The agency also issued an invitation to the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over alleged money laundering during her tenure, but she failed to appear without providing any explanation.

The EFCC had invited Umar-Farouq to clarify allegations of laundering N37,170,855,753.44 through a contractor, James Okwete, during her tenure. With her non-appearance and lack of communication, there are indications that she might be declared wanted by the EFCC.

The ongoing NSIPA probe uncovered that a total of N44 billion was diverted from the agency. The EFCC, led by Executive Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede, successfully traced and froze N30 billion across multiple accounts. This comes after intercepting N17 billion earlier and an additional N13 billion within 24 hours.

The agency is intensifying efforts to uncover the remaining N14 billion and is actively pursuing the individuals and entities associated with the siphoning. Hamza, who retired on December 29, was arrested to provide clarity on the cash movement during his tenure, working closely with National Coordinator Halima Shehu.

Halima Shehu was allowed to leave on compassionate grounds but returned for further questioning. The EFCC is determined to unravel the full extent of the financial irregularities, and operatives are diligently working to uncover the hidden accounts linked to the remaining N14 billion. James Okwete, the accuser, is currently in EFCC custody, awaiting a face-to-face interrogation with the former minister. If Umar-Farouq fails to honor the EFCC’s invitation, she may be declared wanted.