Fresh allegations by the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, have intensified public scrutiny of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, following her claim that she suffered reprisals after reporting alleged financial irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking during an interview on the ARISE TV Morning Show, Shehu alleged that she submitted documentary evidence to the EFCC detailing breaches of financial procedures and unauthorised transfers linked to the agency, but was punished rather than protected.
According to her, the documents included records of unauthorised movement of ₦3 billion from COVID-19 intervention funds into 11 accounts without her approval.
“I gave the EFCC documents and evidence. The facts speak for themselves. I provided everything needed to clear my name of these false allegations, including records of the transfers and evidence of breaches in financial procedures, from the Office of the Accountant-General to the Ministry, including the payment of the remaining ₦3 billion from the COVID-19 funds into 11 accounts without my authorisation, consent or approval. I reported all of this to the EFCC, yet instead of being commended for speaking up, I faced reprisal,” Shehu said.
Her comments come amid ongoing public discussions surrounding the alleged ₦44 billion fraud linked to the National Social Investment Programme and have reignited debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and the protection of whistleblowers.
The former NSIPA chief maintained that she voluntarily provided investigators with all relevant records to establish her innocence, insisting that the evidence she submitted clearly pointed to breaches of established financial procedures.
Following the interview, Nigerians took to social media to express frustration over what many described as selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, with several users questioning the roles of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
An X user, EbereMedia, wrote: “From her explanation, ICPC and EFCC are one of our main problems, because when a case involves big and powerful people, they will turn a blind eye.”
Another user, Pantheon of d gods, called for renewed investigation, saying: “@officialEFCC ONLY young Nigerians una de get power for. See case of real fraud. This matter should be revisited.”
Similarly, winner alleged: “From what she says, it seems ICPC and EFCC are deliberately shielding those involved in the fraud. Allegedly.”
Hello_Uche expressed concern about the implications for future whistleblowers, stating: “Other whistleblowers will feel discouraged after watching this. I thought whistleblowers should be protected.”
Real Life Issues Coach added: “Until EFCC and ICPC are serious, we will continue to fool ourselves in this country.”
Some commentators also questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions.
“EFCC is more corrupt than all the institutions of government put together,” Charles alleged.
Another X user, Android, wrote: “A show of shame. Anytime I see Nigerian politicians, I see a bunch of shameless criminals. Even the anti-graft agencies are tools in the hands of the elite.”
Others focused on the broader implications for governance and accountability.
ABAYOMI observed: “This is how corruption survives, not because nobody knows what is happening, but because everyone who dares to speak eventually learns the price of speaking.”
Ogagbayi T.A argued that Shehu’s removal from office was connected to her disclosures, stating: “It was her whistleblowing that cost her office. If she was guilty, DSS would be dragging her by now.”
While many criticised the anti-corruption agencies, some users urged caution and acknowledged ongoing efforts to tackle corruption.
Fmjonson Bdx said: “Corruption isn’t unique to Nigeria. Credit the EFCC and ICPC for their efforts. Yes, ask for more efforts. Government must continue closing loopholes.”
Other reactions reflected wider public frustration over corruption, governance and accountability, with several users calling for stronger institutions, greater protection for whistleblowers and more transparent investigations into allegations involving politically exposed persons.
