Ex-NSIPA boss urges Tinubu to order release of EFCC probe findings

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public the findings of its investigation into allegations that led to her suspension.

Shehu was removed from office in January 2024 following accusations of financial misconduct at the agency. The EFCC subsequently questioned her as part of its investigation, but the anti-graft agency has yet to disclose the outcome of the probe.

In an open letter addressed to the President, the former NSIPA chief maintained that the release of the investigation report would clear her name and restore her reputation.

Shehu, who served as head of the agency for fewer than four months, described the allegations of financial embezzlement against her as unfounded. She said the accusations had inflicted significant emotional, financial and reputational hardship on both her and her family.

“I have come with humility believing you are yet to know the depth to which I single-handedly fought the wrongdoings at NSIPA. The proactive steps I took to fight corruption should earn me your honour, not dishonour,” she wrote.

She also recalled supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, saying she campaigned for him in communities across the country despite losing her previous appointment during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari because of her political affiliation.

According to her, she has not received her entitlements since being suspended from office.

The former national coordinator of NSIPA said she uncovered what she described as deep-rooted financial irregularities and weak internal control mechanisms shortly after taking over leadership of the agency.

She stated that on December 22, 2023, she formally reported the alleged infractions to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), submitting documents to support an investigation.

She further alleged that barely 10 days after filing the complaints, she was suspended without receiving any feedback from the anti-corruption agencies.

Shehu also claimed that close to N14 billion was withdrawn from the agency’s accounts during her tenure without her knowledge or authorisation.

According to her, unauthorised signatories were added to the agency’s Remita account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), enabling transactions to be carried out without her approval.

“As the chief accounting officer, these actions occurred beyond my control,” she said.

The former NSIPA chief insisted that the EFCC did not recover any funds from her and argued that her conduct in office reflected her longstanding record of accountability in public service.

She pointed to her previous responsibility for overseeing the World Bank-backed Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, where she supervised its digitisation and facilitated the opening of more than 1.9 million beneficiary accounts through commercial banks, microfinance banks and payment service providers.

Shehu disclosed that she had written several letters to the EFCC, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and President Tinubu, requesting that the investigation be concluded and its findings released, but said none of the letters received a response.

“My only prayer has been for closure and direct public release of the investigation report so the truth can be known and I can be free to continue to serve my country,” she said.

She added that the allegations had not only tarnished her personal reputation but had also discouraged women seeking leadership positions in public service.

(The CABLE)