Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, grilled former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over allegations of misappropriation, procurement violations, and diversion of public funds totalling N138,413,253.89.
At the time of this report, it was gathered operatives of anti-graft agency were still interrogating the former Minister.
These funds, allocated for the 2023 budget of the Ministry, were reportedly diverted for personal gain, including money intended for the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative.
An authoritative source confirmed to Vanguard that Ohanenye arrived at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday at 11:00 AM and has been undergoing questioning since then.
The source revealed that investigations indicate a clear breach of due process in the ministry’s budget disbursement, with evidence of funds being redirected from women-focused projects.
He stated, “Operatives are questioning Uju Kennedy Ohanenye regarding her alleged involvement in misappropriation, procurement violations, and diversion of public funds totalling N138,413,253.89 from the 2023 Ministry budget.
“She arrived at the Commission’s headquarters around 11:00 AM on Thursday and is being interrogated about her alleged role in the fraud.
“The investigations reveal that funds intended for the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative were misappropriated for her personal enrichment.
“The former Minister is also being probed for her alleged involvement in other fraudulent activities, which include violations of procurement laws and the unauthorised use of public funds.”