Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Halima Shehu, the suspended Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to release the report of its investigation into allegations of financial impropriety against her, insisting that the document would ultimately clear her name. In an open letter addressed to the President, Shehu, who was suspended in January 2024 less than four months after her appointment, described the allegations of financial embezzlement as false and said they have caused her and her family severe emotional, financial and reputational damage. The EFCC has yet to publicly disclose the outcome of its investigation, leaving the former NSIPA chief in a state of uncertainty for more than two years.
Shehu revealed that she has written several letters to the EFCC, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and President Tinubu himself, requesting the conclusion and public release of the investigation report, but has received no response. In her letter, she expressed humility and appealed to the President to consider the depth of her efforts to fight corruption at the agency. "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 added, "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."
The former NSIPA CEO claimed that shortly after assuming office, she uncovered entrenched financial irregularities and weak internal controls within the agency. According to her, she formally reported the alleged infractions to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on December 22, 2023, submitting documentary evidence for investigation. She alleged that barely 10 days after making the reports, she was suspended without receiving any response from the anti-corruption agencies. She further claimed that during her tenure, nearly N14 billion was withdrawn from the agency's accounts without her knowledge or approval, and that unauthorised signatories were added to NSIPA's Remita account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, resulting in transactions carried out outside her authority. "As the chief accounting officer, these actions occurred beyond my control," she said.
Shehu also maintained that the EFCC did not recover any money from her, insisting that her stewardship was consistent with her record of accountability in public service. She cited her previous role in managing the World Bank-supported conditional cash transfer programme, where she supervised the digitisation of the scheme and facilitated the opening of over 1.9 million beneficiary accounts across commercial banks, microfinance banks and payment service providers. However, despite her claims of innocence, the EFCC has yet to publicly release the outcome of its investigation into the allegations against her. The agency has also not disclosed whether the investigation has been concluded or what findings it has made.
In a viral video released on Saturday, Shehu was seen in tears, seeking the President's intervention in her ordeal with the EFCC. "The prolonged silence has left me in a state of uncertainty, hardship, and reputational injury. Baba, I have been in pain ever since I publicly declared my support for you. I appeal to you as my political father to bring closure to this case. If this message gets to you, this is your daughter, Halima Shehu," she said. The suspension of Shehu was linked to that of Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, who was also suspended in January 2024 over the alleged diversion of N585.189 million into a private account. However, nearly three years later, the EFCC has yet to make public the investigative reports on either case, leaving both women in a state of legal and professional limbo.
Shehu also disclosed that she has not received her entitlements since her suspension, arguing that the unresolved allegations have not only affected her personal reputation but also discouraged women aspiring to occupy public leadership positions. As the former NSIPA boss continues to fight for her name and reputation, the question remains whether President Tinubu will heed her appeal and order the release of the EFCC probe report, bringing an end to a saga that has dragged on for more than two years.
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