Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the former Minister for Women Affairs, was detained on Thursday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an investigation into her alleged involvement in a major fraud.
The EFCC is questioning Ohanenye regarding the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦138,413,253.89.
These funds were allegedly mishandled during the disbursement of the 2023 budget for her ministry, specifically related to the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative.
A source within the commission confirmed that Ohanenye was interrogated shortly after arriving at the EFCC headquarters at 11 a.m. on Thursday. “Investigators are questioning the former Minister over her alleged role in the diversion of public funds totaling ₦138,413,253.89,” the source revealed.
Ohanenye, who was removed from her position as Minister of Women Affairs in October 2024, was succeeded by Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
Efforts to get a statement from EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.