Uju Kennedy Ohanenye
By Victory Oghene
The immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has said ‘she didn’t sleep in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N138 million fraud’.
She spoke to NATIONAL WAVES via WhatsApp call.
Ohanenye added that she was invited and as a law abiding citizen she honoured the invite of the anti graft agency.
Yes, I just read your report. I didn’t sleep in the custody of the EFCC.
“As a former public servant, I acknowledge that inquiries regarding past official activities are a standard part of ensuring accountability. In this spirit, I willingly honored the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 6, 2025, concerning allegations of a 138 million Naira diversion.
“I arrived at the EFCC headquarters at 2:15 PM, and the substantive discussions commenced at 2:50 PM. During this time, I provided comprehensive clarifications regarding my actions and expenditures throughout my tenure as the Minister of Women Affairs.I rounded up by 6:50pm and left thereafter
“I commend the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the matters that have recently been circulating in the media.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege of serving my country and positively impacting the lives of many. I also express my appreciation to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her steadfast support of myself and Nigerian women.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the EFCC and will be available for any further inquiries. It is the duty of every government official to be transparent and accountable for their time in office.
“During my tenure, my team and I executed our duties diligently, utilizing available resources effectively, and even supplementing with personal funds, demonstrating our dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian women and children.
“I assure that the facts and information will ultimately demonstrate the integrity of my actions Ohanenye told NATIONAL WAVES.
NATIONAL WAVES had earlier reported that former Minister was quizzed over alleged links to the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦138m.
The funds were allegedly misappropriated during the disbursement of the 2023 budgeted allocation for the ministry.
An impeccable source disclosed to this medium that the former minister arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 11 a.m. on Thursday and was still being interrogated by operatives regarding her alleged involvement in the fraud.
The source hinted , “Investigators are questioning former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over her alleged role in the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds totaling ₦138,413,253.89.
“She arrived at the commission’s headquarters around 11am on Thursday and is currently facing interrogators over her alleged involvement in the fraud.
“Investigations by the EFCC revealed that funds donated for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were diverted for her personal enrichment.”
