Halima Shehu Denies N44bn Diversion Allegations

Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has denied allegations of diverting N44 billion. In an interview on Arise Television, she stated that no public funds were transferred into her personal accounts or those of her relatives.

Shehu reported financial irregularities within NSIPA to anti-graft agencies before her suspension in December 2023, claiming that the allegations arose after she highlighted serious breaches in the agency’s financial management. Upon taking office, she discovered weaknesses in financial controls and reported unauthorized transactions to then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.

She submitted petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) detailing these irregularities before her removal. Shehu expressed disappointment over her suspension, arguing that whistleblowers should be protected, and firmly denied any involvement in the alleged misappropriation of funds, stating that investigators found no suspicious funds linked to her or her family.