The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Echuseh Audu, has voluntarily reported herself to security and investigative authorities following claims that relief materials meant for vulnerable residents in the state were diverted.
According to findings by our correspondent, Audu submitted herself not only to the police but also to the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, and the Taraba State Ministry of Justice, requesting a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Audu, who leads the agency responsible for distributing humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons and other low-income households, denied the claims and emphasized the need for a proper probe to clear her name.
In a telephone interview with one of the reporters on sunday, she explained that her decision to submit to investigation was motivated by the need to “protect the integrity of the agency and avoid any misinterpretation of silence.”
“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.
She also noted that the agency had worked to attract support from donor organizations and warned that such allegations could “undermine confidence in its operations and discourage partnerships.”
“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,” Audu added.
The controversy follows allegations on social media that the agency’s leadership diverted large quantities of relief materials, claiming that over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil were sold outside the state. As of the time of reporting, these allegations have not been supported with any documentary evidence.
Audu challenged those behind the claims to present verifiable proof, insisting that “accountability must be evidence-based.”
“If I am guilty, I should be brought to justice. If not, I should be cleared because in the future it can be used against me if the allegation is not properly investigated,” she said.
She also questioned the logistics of the alleged diversion, pointing out that moving such large volumes of goods would be hard to conceal.
“For over 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil and 10,000 bags of rice to leave SEMA stores, it would require at least two trailer loads. The movement and where the goods were sold should not be difficult to trace by the police,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the police have begun investigating the matter. A letter obtained by our correspondent shows that the State Criminal Investigation Department has invited Abdulmumin Imam, the individual making the allegations, to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026.
The letter stated, “This Office is investigating a case of cyber-bullying, criminal defamation of character and criminal intimidation, in which your name featured prominently. In view of this, you are graciously requested to interview the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo, through ACCID on April 1, 2026, at 1000hrs, for consolidation of investigation.”
The letter was signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (SCID), Idoko James.
As of press time, Audu reiterated that she is ready to face the investigation, urging that the process be transparent and evidence-driven, with the outcome guiding the next course of action.
