THE ICIR
IMMEDIATE past Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen has said she was not officially invited or quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as she visited the anti-graft agency of her own volition.
In a statement released on Saturday, June 3, the ex-Minister said her visit to the EFCC was aimed at clearing certain allegations against her, which she described as false.
“At about 9pm yesterday, news began circulating that I had been arrested by the EFCC. This fake news was carried by several media outlets who were either mischievous or misguided. I would like to state that I went to the EFCC on my own accord to address the very false allegation made against me recently,” Tallen noted.
It was reported that the ex-Women Affairs minister was arrested and questioned by the EFCC in Abuja over allegations of money laundering.
According to a report, a source within the EFCC said Tallen was being investigated for misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of N2 billion.
“The ex-minister arrived at our Abuja Zonal Command (not the headquarters), on invitation, at about 12.00 p.m., but she’s still being grilled by investigators of the Commission as at 8:30 p.m.
“She’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds and corrupt enrichment to the tune of N2 billion, and part of the money was allegedly diverted from the African First Lady Peace Mission Project,” the source was quoted as saying.
