Ex-Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Under EFCC Probe for Alleged ₦138M Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is questioning former Minister of Women’s Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, over allegations of misappropriating N138,413,253.89 from the ministry’s funds. She was reportedly invited by the anti-graft agency and arrived at its headquarters on Thursday for questioning.

Sources indicate that the investigation centers on alleged violations of procurement procedures, which allegedly enabled the diversion of funds during the disbursement of the 2023 budget. The former minister is suspected of using her position to facilitate financial irregularities.

Kennedy-Ohanenye was said to have arrived at the EFCC office around 11 a.m. and was interrogated by investigators throughout the day. As of late Thursday night, she remained in EFCC custody as investigations continued.

An insider familiar with the probe stated that part of the mismanaged funds was meant for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative, a project aimed at supporting women’s empowerment. However, preliminary findings suggest that the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use. The EFCC is still examining the details of the transactions linked to the former minister.

The source further revealed that Kennedy-Ohanenye has not yet been granted administrative bail, indicating that the anti-graft agency is still gathering evidence regarding the alleged financial misconduct.

The EFCC has not officially commented on the ongoing investigation, and Kennedy-Ohanenye has yet to make a public statement regarding the allegations. However, the development has raised concerns about accountability in public office, particularly in the management of funds allocated for social welfare programs.

Kennedy-Ohanenye served as Minister of Women’s Affairs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration before a cabinet reshuffle led to her exit. During her tenure, she was responsible for overseeing policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

The case adds to a growing list of corruption investigations involving former government officials, as the EFCC intensifies efforts to combat financial mismanagement in public offices. The anti-graft agency has been actively pursuing cases of corruption in various ministries and agencies, reinforcing the government’s stance on accountability and transparency.

It remains unclear whether Kennedy-Ohanenye will face formal charges, as investigations are still ongoing. The EFCC is expected to provide further updates as it continues its probe into the alleged misappropriation of public funds.