Alleged N17bn Fraud:EFCC Takes Over NSIPA Office
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Tuesday flooded the Maitama office of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, (NSIPA), shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), and National Coordinator, NSIPA, Halima Shehu on allege financial malfeasance.
The Guardian observed a heavy presence of EFCC officials dressed in black suits, red ties, and red outfits with the EFCC insignia positioned outside and inside the office.
Access to the office located at Taraba Close, off Limpopo Street, Maitama, was also restricted as no one was allowed in or out of the building.
In what appears to be a mild phase-off between suspected Department of State Services, (DSS), officials, the EFCC personnel later took over the compound while Shehu alongside her Key officers, including media aides were not allowed to leave their offices.
Our Correspondent, who was at the venue, reports that after hours of being kept locked in the office, observed that the EFCC personnel left followed shortly by Shehu’s convoy.
A source in the agency explained that the NSIPA national coordinator will issue a statement as soon as the situation is clear and that she is not allowed to comment on the development at the moment.
Meanwhile, the alleged suspension has led to the cancellation of an event the agency was set to hold Tuesday morning in Karu where she was to distribute cash grants and starter packs to vulnerable groups and also reach out to some victims of organ trade black market, in Abuja.
Shehu reportedly rushed to the presidential villa to confirm the authenticity of the news since she was yet to be served any letter at the time, leaving journalists waiting at the venue.
News of Shehu’s suspension filtered Tuesday morning in the media claiming that President Bola Tinubu has suspended her and has appointed the Renewed Hope Job Creation Programme, (RHJCP), formerly, N-Power boss, Dr. Akindele Egbuwale is the acting NSIPA national coordinator pending the outcome of investigations.
Source: The Guardian
