Taraba SEMA Boss Submits Herself for Investigation Over Alleged Diversion of Relief Materials
Taraba SEMA Boss Submits Herself for Investigation Over Alleged Diversion of Relief Materials
Taraba SEMA Boss Submits Herself for Investigation Over Alleged Diversion of Relief Materials
The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Echuseh Audu, has voluntarily reported herself to security and investigative authorities following allegations that relief materials meant for vulnerable residents were diverted.
ALSO READ: United Nigeria Airlines Aircraft Damaged in Ground Incident at Lagos Airport
Audu submitted herself for scrutiny to multiple bodies, including the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, and the Taraba State Ministry of Justice. She denied the allegations and called for a thorough investigation to clear her name.
In a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Sunday, Audu emphasized that her decision was driven by a desire to protect the integrity of the agency and prevent misconceptions. “An allegation was made; keeping silent by law means I have consented. We have worked so hard to build a reputation for Taraba SEMA and to support the vulnerable,” she said.
The allegations, circulating on social media, claimed that over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil were misappropriated and sold outside the state. Audu challenged those making the claims to provide verifiable evidence, noting the logistical difficulty of moving such large volumes unnoticed.
She further warned that such unverified accusations could undermine public trust and discourage partnerships with donor organizations. “So many things are at stake. We have to build trust and confidence and clear doubts. That is why I presented myself for investigation by the authorities,” she added.
The Taraba State Police have begun investigating the matter. In a letter obtained by our correspondent, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) invited Abdulmumin Imam, who made the allegations, to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026, for questioning over cyber-bullying, criminal defamation, and intimidation.
Audu maintained that she is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators and urged that the probe be transparent and evidence-based, stressing that the outcome will guide subsequent actions.
Taraba SEMA Boss Submits Herself for Investigation Over Alleged Diversion of Relief Materials
