President Bola Tinubu Suspend-NSIPA Boss, Halima Shehu, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation In-Billions (Details)

An official from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has shed light on the suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu, the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA). The suspension reportedly stems from allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to billions of naira….CONTINUE READING

Ms. Halima Shehu, who previously served as the national coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and had a tenure with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022, faced suspension just three months after her appointment was confirmed by the Senate.

Shehu, who was scheduled to conduct an event in New Karu, Nasarawa state, involving the distribution of cash grants and starter packs to vulnerable groups, as well as outreach to victims of kidney harvesting, was met with unexpected news of her suspension.

Reporters dispatched to cover the event experienced confusion as they were initially sent back from the venue due to uncertainty surrounding Shehu’s status. The coordinator of the event later assured the reporters that Shehu would still attend, leading them back to New Karu. However, upon arrival, they were redirected back to Abuja, where Shehu was expected to provide a briefing.

Armed personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were present in Abuja, restricting journalists from entering and indicating a significant development in the unfolding situation.

An anonymous official from the ministry confirmed the suspension, attributing it to a presidential directive necessitated by allegations of financial misappropriation running into billions of Naira. The suspension is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the reported misappropriation, with indications that more individuals connected to the program’s fund mismanagement could be summoned by the EFCC in the days to come.