Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, is currently being interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial misappropriation, procurement violations, and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦138 million.

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Thursday and remains in custody for questioning.

A top EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed, “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.”

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According to findings by the commission, the alleged fraud was linked to the disbursement of the ministry’s 2023 budgeted allocation. Investigators also claim that donations meant for the ‘P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative’ were diverted for the former minister’s personal use.

Efforts to reach EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Ohanenye was among the five ministers sacked in October 2024 after the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House.

Following her removal, President Bola Tinubu reappointed Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the former Minister of State for Police Affairs, as the new Minister of Women Affairs.

The EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected in the coming days.

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has postponed the arraignment of gospel music executive Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, in a case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over Thursday’s session, cited “administrative procedures” as the reason for the delay, adjourning the matter until May 14, 2025.

The case, which has drawn public attention, centers on financial and contractual disputes. EeZee Tee was present in court as the proceedings unfolded.

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While details of the allegations remain undisclosed, the music executive has continued to assert his innocence.

His legal team has also expressed confidence in a favorable outcome.

With the adjournment, all parties will now await the next court session.

In a bold step towards ensuring the safety of its citizens and curbing criminal activities, the Edo State Government has commenced the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.

A government house statement on Tuesday night revealed that Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul said the demolition exercise was in accordance with the law.

Biztellers reports that Akhere led the security personnel on the demolition exercise that took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

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On the state government’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of its citizens, Akhere emphasized that the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo will not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities and called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.

In his words, “This house has been used for criminal activities. They keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigerian Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.”

He cited that the new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property. You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are to avoid unfortunate incidence as this,” Akhere added.

He assured the people of the State, that the exercise will be a continuous one as the State Government under Gov Okpebholo has given a marching order to flush out all criminal elements in the State and make it habitable for all.

In the same vein, the Commander, Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, said the exercise which is in accordance with the law would serve as a deterrent to others and help checkmate kidnapping and other criminal activities in the State.

He called on all Edo citizens to assist in the fight against kidnapping by keeping watch over their vicinities and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or to members of the Special Task Force, stressing that, “a safer and secured Edo is the duty of all.”

The suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who belong to a gang of 7, identified the properties as their hideout before the demolition.

Admitting to the crime, they said they had been involved in high profile kidnapping within Edo Central axis with the last operation fetching them N10 million.

The leader of the gang, Utubor Uchenna, noted that their last victim was marked because of the kind of luxury car he drives and was kidnapped alongside a lady.

He said both victims were released unhurt after parting with a ransom of 10 million naira.

The Special Task Force, in conjunction with other security apparatus in the state, has recorded successes of recent in the fight against criminal activities, with many criminal hideouts raided and suspects apprehended and handed over to the police.