I’m The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Echuseh Audu, has voluntarily submitted herself to security and investigative authorities following allegations that relief materials intended for vulnerable residents were diverted.
According to findings from our correspondent, Audu not only reported to the police but also presented herself to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, and the Taraba State Ministry of Justice, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the claims.
Audu, who leads the agency responsible for distributing humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons and low-income households, denied the allegations and emphasized the need for a thorough probe to clear her name.
In a telephone interview on Sunday, she said her decision to submit herself for investigation was aimed at protecting the integrity of the agency and preventing 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 stated.
She further noted that the agency actively seeks partnerships with donor organizations and warned that unverified allegations could undermine confidence in its operations. “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 investigation follows claims circulating on social media accusing the agency’s leadership of diverting over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil for sale outside the state.
However, as of filing this report, no documentary evidence has substantiated the allegations.
Audu challenged the accusers to provide verifiable proof, insisting that accountability must be based on evidence.
READ ALSO: Yobe SEMA Moves Entire Community Over Rising Flood Threat
“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 require at least two trailer loads and 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 explained.
Meanwhile, the police have begun investigating the matter.
A letter obtained by our correspondent shows that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has invited Abdulmumin Imam, the person who made the allegations, to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026.
The letter reads 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 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 reaffirmed her readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation and urged that the process be transparent and evidence-driven, noting that the findings would guide subsequent actions.