In a shocking revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully recovered approximately N39.8 billion out of N44.8 billion allegedly embezzled from the government account, implicating the former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Halima Shehu. The scandal unfolded as the EFCC investigates three second-generation banks for their involvement in the illegal transfers of funds intended for poverty alleviation and other government intervention schemes.
Sources reveal that Shehu, along with a Director of Finance, signed off a staggering N44 billion from the government account within a five-day period between December 27th and 31st, 2023. The year-end transfer, a routine practice in the Ministry, was detected by Betta Edu, who promptly reported the incident to the EFCC. Allegedly, Shehu directed the unauthorized transfer of funds to individual accounts and companies through commercial banks without approval from the President, Federal Executive Council, or the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
As EFCC operatives scrutinize records and investigate banks, concerns are raised by groups like the Arewa Integrity Group (AIG), urging thoroughness and transparency in the investigation. AIG, in a press conference, voiced support for the EFCC’s inquiry into the disappearance of billions from an agency established to alleviate poverty. However, they expressed worry about attempts to create chaos in the Ministry and drag Minister Betta Edu into the alleged diversion of N44.8 billion from the NSIP account.
While EFCC digs deeper into the investigation, the Northern Zero Corruption Coalition cautions against intimidation in the probe, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of the poor. They express confidence in Betta Edu’s transparency during her short tenure as Minister and refute allegations of her involvement in the scandal. The unfolding scandal involving the NSIP, banks, and alleged embezzlement has sent shockwaves through the public, raising concerns about the misuse of funds intended for poverty alleviation and government intervention programs.
