Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced investigations into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of public funds totaling N138,413,253.89 by Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, former Minister of Women Affairs under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The former minister is accused of violating procurement processes and diverting funds allocated in the 2023 budget for the ministry.
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Thursday and has since been undergoing intense interrogation.
EFCC investigators are reportedly scrutinizing her involvement in the alleged financial misconduct, particularly regarding the management of funds earmarked for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative — a program designed to support women empowerment and welfare.
An official familiar with the investigation disclosed that preliminary findings suggest a portion of the funds was diverted for personal enrichment.
“Investigators are questioning former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over her alleged role in the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds totaling N138,413,253.89,” the source revealed.
Efforts to obtain comments from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The anti-graft agency has maintained a cautious stance on releasing details of the investigation, indicating that the probe is still at a crucial stage.
However, insiders suggest that the EFCC is determined to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial infractions and hold those responsible to account.
Ohanenye’s tenure as Minister of Women Affairs was cut short in October 2024 when she was relieved of her duties alongside four other ministers following the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
Her dismissal, which came amid growing concerns over accountability and transparency within government ministries, has now taken on a new dimension in light of the ongoing investigations.
The alleged diversion of funds from the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative has drawn public outcry, with civil society organizations and stakeholders in the women’s rights sector calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Many have expressed concern that the misappropriation of such significant funds not only undermines the credibility of government interventions aimed at empowering women but also stalls progress in addressing gender-based inequalities.
The EFCC, under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, is reportedly broadening its investigation to trace the flow of the diverted funds and identify any potential accomplices. Financial records, bank statements, and procurement documents are being analyzed to establish a comprehensive picture of how the funds were managed and diverted.
Analysts suggest that the outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the Tinubu administration’s stance on anti-corruption and its commitment to ensuring transparency in the management of public resources.
