The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the former Minister of Women Affairs, over allegations of significant financial improprieties. The probe centers on the alleged misappropriation of N138 million, with accusations that the former minister violated procurement processes and diverted public funds allocated to the ministry's 2023 budget. The specific amount under scrutiny is N138,413,253.89.

According to sources within the EFCC, Kennedy-Ohanenye arrived at the commission's headquarters in Abuja on Thursday around 11 a.m. and has been undergoing interrogation since then. The investigation has reportedly uncovered that funds intended for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly diverted for personal enrichment. The EFCC source emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that Kennedy-Ohanenye has not been granted administrative bail.

"Investigations by the EFCC showed that funds donated for the funding of the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were diverted for her self-enrichment. Investigations are still ongoing. She has not been admitted to administrative bail," the source stated, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

Further complicating matters, Kennedy-Ohanenye faced scrutiny in July 2024 when a House of Representatives committee invited her to address an alleged N1.5 billion debt owed to contractors. The committee's investigation focused on the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for contractor payments. Kafilat Ogbara, the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, raised concerns that the ministry awarded contracts not included in the 2023 budget, while funds intended for these contracts were misappropriated.

Ogbara articulated the committee's concerns, stating, "Money for contractors has not been paid, and money has been diverted. So, how do you pay these contractors?" She also noted that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also probing the ministry over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Adding to the complexity, Ogbara mentioned in a June 5 interview that there were "many petitions" against the former minister. While Kennedy-Ohanenye has denied these allegations, asserting that she was not under investigation for fund misappropriation, the EFCC's ongoing inquiry suggests otherwise. The EFCC detectives are reportedly considering other clues as part of their investigation, and the former minister remains under scrutiny without administrative bail.