The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday quizzed the former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, over alleged fraud.
The development comes less than a week after the former President’s tenure ended, during which Tallen served as a minister.
While specific details pertaining to the allegations against the ex-minister remain limited, credible sources with knowledge of the case disclosed that the EFCC is investigating Tallen for potential corrupt practices resulting in a suspicious accumulation of N2 billion.
According to an undisclosed source, Tallen honoured an invitation to the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Command located in Wuse 2 on Friday at noon.
The investigation focuses on funds believed to have been diverted from the African First Lady Mission project.
Although EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for immediate comment, another reliable source within the commission has verified the accuracy of the report, confirming Tallen’s presence at the EFCC as of Friday evening.
It is currently unclear whether Tallen will be released on administrative bail or if she will be detained further.
The unfolding situation closely follows the arrest of another former minister from the Buhari administration, Saleh Mamman, who served as Minister of Power until his dismissal by the former President in September 2021.
Mamman’s arrest, carried out by the EFCC on May 10, stems from allegations of financial impropriety amounting to N22 billion. The investigation implicates Mamman in fraudulent activities linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydro power projects.
It has been alleged that ministry staff colluded with the former minister to embezzle funds from these projects, subsequently dividing the ill-gotten gains amongst themselves.
Reportedly, certain individuals involved in the scheme utilized their portions of the misappropriated funds to purchase properties both within Nigeria and abroad.
The EFCC’s actions against Tallen and Mamman demonstrate the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and hold individuals accountable for their alleged involvement in financial malfeasance.
