Halima Shehu: Alleged misuse of public funds and EFCC's recovery efforts

Hajia Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), became embroiled in a major corruption scandal in December 2023 when she was accused of transferring ₦44 billion (about $44 million) of government funds into private accounts.

The funds, meant for social intervention projects, were allegedly moved over five days without the approval of relevant authorities. The EFCC opened an investigation, recovering part of the money while probing banks suspected of complicity. Although Shehu was suspended and questioned, no formal indictment or conviction has followed as of August 2025.

Her legal team has strongly denied the allegations, framing them as baseless media fabrications. The case has fueled public debate on systemic corruption and accountability within Nigeria’s social investment programs.

Allegations:

• She allegedly directed ₦44 billion ($44 million) of NSIPA funds into private and corporate accounts without required presidential or ministerial approvals.

• The transfers occurred rapidly between December 27–31, 2023, coinciding with unspent year-end allocations.

• Money earmarked for poverty alleviation programs was allegedly diverted for unauthorized purposes. At least three commercial banks are under investigation for facilitating the transfers.

• Media reports accused Shehu of moving funds into her personal accounts, but her legal team dismissed this as false, threatening defamation actions.

Former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIPA), Halima Shehu