By Solomon Attah, Jalingo
The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Echuseh Audu, has reported herself to security and investigative authorities for probe, following allegations of diversion of relief materials meant for vulnerable residents in the state.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that Audu not only reported to the police but also submitted herself 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 comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Audu, who heads the agency responsible for distributing humanitarian supplies to internally displaced persons and other low-income households, denied the allegations and called for a thorough probe to clear her name.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday, she said her decision to submit herself for investigation was informed 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 added that the agency had made efforts to attract support from donor organisations, warning 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,” she stated.
The development followed allegations circulating on social media accusing the agency’s leadership of diverting large quantities of relief materials meant for distribution to vulnerable residents. The claims alleged that over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil were diverted and sold outside the state.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the allegations had not been substantiated with any documentary evidence.
Audu challenged those behind the claims to provide 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, noting that moving such volumes of goods would be difficult 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 added.
Meanwhile, the police have commenced moves to investigate the matter. In a letter obtained by our correspondent, the State Criminal Investigation Department invited Abdulmumin Imam, who made the allegations, to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026.
The letter read in part, “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 1st April, 2026 at 1000hrs, for consolidation of investigation.”
The letter was signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (SCID), Idoko James Oche.
As of press time, Audu maintained that she is ready to face investigation and urged that the process be transparent and evidence-driven, noting that the outcome of the probe would determine the next line of action.
