The EFCC is interrogating former Women Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye over allegations of N138 million fraud. Investigators claim she misappropriated public funds and violated procurement laws. The probe follows her dismissal from Tinubu’s cabinet and previous allegations of financial misconduct in the ministry’s 2023 budget.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is interrogating Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, former Minister of Women Affairs, over alleged financial misappropriation amounting to ₦138 million.
According to EFCC sources, Kennedy-Ohanenye is accused of violating procurement procedures and diverting public funds during the disbursement of the Women Affairs Ministry’s 2023 budget. She arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Thursday and remains in custody for questioning.
Preliminary investigations suggest that funds meant for the P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly redirected for personal use. The EFCC has yet to grant her administrative bail, indicating that the probe is still ongoing.
Kennedy-Ohanenye previously served as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration before being dismissed in October 2024. Earlier, in July 2024, the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs invited her over an alleged ₦1.5 billion debt owed to contractors. Lawmakers accused the ministry of awarding contracts outside the approved 2023 budget and mismanaging funds meant for payments.
Kafilat Ogbara, chairperson of the committee, alleged that payments were diverted instead of being used to settle contractors. Additionally, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is reportedly investigating the ministry over similar allegations.
Kennedy-Ohanenye has denied any wrongdoing, insisting she is not under investigation for fund misappropriation. However, multiple petitions against her remain under review by anti-graft agencies.
