EFCC grills ex-minister Pauline Tallen over ‘diversion of N2bn’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled Pauline Tallen, former minister of women affairs, over alleged corrupt enrichment.

TheCable understands that Tallen was questioned at the Abuja zonal command for allegedly misappropriating N2 billion.

Although details of the case against the ex-minister are still unclear, a source familiar with the probe said it involves funds from the African First Lady Peace Mission Project (AFLPM).

The initiative, conceived by Maryam Abacha, former first lady, is centred on promoting peace and harmony in Africa.

We could not immediately reach Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson of the EFCC, for details of the probe.

Shortly before May 29, the EFCC had said it intends to go after then-outgoing governors and other public officials

On Thursday, the anti-graft agency invited Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti, over allegations of N4 billion misappropriation.

The probe is said to be connected to the handling of funds during his tenure.

Fayemi however said he was grilled on “a frivolous petition from a faceless group, the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition”, adding that he “stands ready to cooperate fully”.