The group asked the anti-corruption agency to delve further into her tenure at the cash transfer office, saying it could unearth additional irregularities and shed more light on the extent of her involvement in these reprehensible activities.
The Arewa Network for Good Governance has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden the scope of its investigation on Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
The group asked the anti-corruption agency to delve further into her tenure at the cash transfer office, saying it could unearth additional irregularities and shed more light on the extent of her involvement in these reprehensible activities.
Arewa Network made this known on Sunday in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Abbas Gamji Gambo, expressing its support for the fight against corruption spearheaded by the relevant authorities.
The group explained that it was deeply worrying that within three months of assuming office, Halima Shehu's actions had unveiled a “pattern indicative of a serial fraudster”.
The statement reads, "In light of recent developments concerning the criminal diversion of 44 billion Naira, the Arewa Network for Good Governance wishes to express its unequivocal support for the relentless fight against corruption spearheaded by the relevant authorities.
"It is deeply concerning that within a mere three months of assuming office, Halima Shehu's actions have unveiled a pattern indicative of a serial fraudster. Such audacious acts of public looting of government treasures cannot and should not go unpunished. The magnitude of this financial malfeasance underscores the urgency and importance of ensuring that justice is served.
"Given the gravity of the allegations against Halima Shehu, we strongly urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden the scope of its investigation.
“Delving further into her tenure at the cash transfer office could unearth additional irregularities and shed more light on the extent of her involvement in these reprehensible activities.
"The Arewa Network for Good Governance remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. We call upon all stakeholders to collaborate closely in rooting out corruption and ensuring that individuals who betray public trust face the full wrath of the law.”
"Justice must prevail, and the Nigerian people deserve nothing less than a government free from the shackles of corruption. We stand firmly behind the efforts to bring perpetrators like Halima Shehu to justice and restore faith in our institutions," the statement added.
SaharaReporters had reported how Mrs Shehu was recently arrested by the EFCC after the agency’s personnel stormed NSIPA’s office at the Federal Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and drove her to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Shehu was subsequently detained and interrogated.
SaharaReporters had also reported that President Bola Tinubu approved the suspension of Shehu as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the National Coordinator of NSIPA while Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-Power Programme manager was appointed in acting capacity as NC/CEO pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The EFCC has also invited a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk to appear before investigators over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete.