A shocking revelation has emerged from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), indicating that the former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, allegedly embezzled a whopping sum of 44.4 billion Naira from the government account. According to the EFCC report, the purported misappropriation took place between December 27th and December 31st, 2023.
The siphoning was carried out in a most brazen manner, as Halima Shehu reportedly withdrew the funds from the NSIPA account in the Central Bank of Nigeria and transferred them to various unnamed accounts in different banks, including Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Access Bank, among others. The former NSIPA boss allegedly went further to make illicit transfers to individual accounts and companies without any approval from the President or the Federal Executive Council. With a clear indication of insider collusion, it was discovered that the recipients of the fraudulent transfers were close associates of Halima Shehu and the DFA Hamza.
The retired Director of Account, Hamza Bawai, who is alleged to have aided in the siphoning of the government funds, attempted to flee the country but was apprehended and is currently in EFCC custody. The accounts of the beneficiaries have been frozen, and a thorough investigation is ongoing, both at the Ministry overseeing the agency and at the EFCC. The owners of the fraudulent accounts have been arrested and are being interrogated by the EFCC.
It is noteworthy that Halima Shehu served under Sadia Farouk and has multiple cases of fraud being investigated. This latest revelation further highlights the need for a concerted effort towards ensuring accountability and transparency in government operations. The public trust must be restored, and perpetrators of such heinous acts must face the full weight of the law.
*Insider Reports*
