The Transparency Network has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigations into allegations that rocked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in early 2024, which led to the exit of Dr. Betta Edu as minister and the suspension of other senior government officials.
The group said the prolonged delay in releasing the report has cast a shadow of suspicion over career civil servants and politicians who were indirectly affected by the scandal.
Among those specifically mentioned was the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Social Investment Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, and other staff who were placed on suspension to facilitate thorough investigations. The group expressed concern that the lingering uncertainty has unfairly impacted their reputations.
The group’s Coordinator, Imman Onyi, said the EFCC’s delay in presenting its findings has left the cloud of suspicion hanging over Shehu and her colleagues. “It’s unfortunate that nearly two years after this saga came to light, the results of the investigations have yet to be made public. We do not believe that the EFCC, with its capacity and the evidence available, has been unable to determine the culpability of the real perpetrators,” Onyi said.
He added that the ongoing delay undermines public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts. “The continuing procrastination affects many individuals initially fingered, who have not been formally exonerated. We call on the EFCC to immediately release its report so the nation can know those directly responsible.
We are particularly concerned for the former Executive Secretary of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, and her subordinates, whose cases remain unresolved due to the EFCC’s delay,” he stated.