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EFCC Questions Bank CEOs in Connection with ₦44 Billion Fraud Investigation

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is currently interrogating Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, and Jaiz Bank in connection with the over N44 billion fraud allegedly uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Our correspondent gathered that the senior back executives are currently being quizzed by EFCC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters, Jabi, Abuja as of 4.55 pm on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, is currently being held and is undergoing interrogation by the EFCC over ₦585million scandal.

Also, Halima Shehu, the embattled Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency domiciled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is being probed by the EFCC over an alleged ₦44bn fraud.

Confirming the probe of the senior bank executives to our correspondent on Tuesday, an EFCC source revealed that Zenith, Providus, and Jaiz banks are being questioned over the ₦44.5bn fraud uncovered in the ministry involving Edu and Shehu.

The source said, “The CEOs and MDs of Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, and Jaiz Bank are currently being grilled by our interrogators here at the headquarters.

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“They were invited and are being probed in connection with the uncovered ₦44bn fraud and the ₦585million involving Halima Shehu and Betta Edu.

“The suspended minister and the coordinator have both made new revelations during their interrogations, and the investigation is still ongoing.”

Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, over an alleged N585m cash transfer saga.

The suspended minister was invited by the anti-graft agency in compliance with Tinubu’s order that a comprehensive investigation encompassing her activities in the ministry be carried out, a top source in the anti-graft commission told reporters.

Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, was queried by EFCC interrogators on Monday, over allegations that she laundered N37.1 billion while serving as a minister in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

Also, Shehu was earlier arrested in connection with an alleged ₦44billion money laundering and had been mandated to report to the EFCC every day following her release last Wednesday.

The NSIPA Coordinator was arrested and taken into EFCC custody Tuesday night following her suspension.

It was learnt that the ₦44bn was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons serving as fronts.

Confirming her release from EFCC custody in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale said Shehu has been mandated to meet with EFCC interrogators every day as the investigation continues.

Oyewale said, “Halima Shehu has been released, but she is still answering to our interrogators, and she has been mandated to meet with investigators every day as the investigation is ongoing.

“Concerning reports on the ₦44bn and ₦30bn making the rounds, the commission is still tracing all the suspicious transactions, her agency was under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs too.

“There’s a lot of money involved because the Ministry and agencies are focused on interventions. Hence, we can’t put a figure to all of the transactions now because the commission is still tracing the transactions.”

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ADC Rising: Salga hails influx of political heavyweights as a turning point for justice

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Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

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Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

 

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BREAKING: INEC Removes David Mark-Led NWC from Portal, Updates Records Amid ADC Leadership Crisis

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the commission’s recognition of the leadership dispute within the party.

The commission confirmed that the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark followed a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment and an ongoing suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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According to INEC, the decision comes after receiving conflicting legal representations from the two factions vying for control of the party. One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The other faction, aligned with Mr. Mark, advised INEC against recognizing Mr. Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the pending legal proceedings.

The leadership crisis traces back to July 2025, when the ADC’s former leadership resigned, paving the way for a new executive committee headed by Mr. Mark. Mr. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this transition, arguing that the party’s constitution mandates his ascension to the leadership role.

In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—pending the resolution of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.

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JUST IN: El-Rufai Detained as Bail Ruling Adjourned to April 14

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

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Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice.

“We await the decision of the court,” he added.

He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

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