A former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen, says contrary to media reports, she was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on N2 billion fraud.
On Friday, an online newspaper (Not METROWATCH), reported that Tallen, who served as Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was on Thursday in the custody of the EFCC over allegations of money laundering.
According to the report by The PUNCH, Tallen was quizzed by operatives of the EFCC at its Zonal Headquarters, in Wuse, Abuja, on allegations bordering on corrupt enrichment to the tune of N2 billion.
“She’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds and corrupt enrichment to the tune of N2billion, and part of the money was allegedly diverted from the African First Lady Peace Mission Project,” the newspaper had reported.
But, Tallen has now offered explanations into her ordeal with the EFCC, saying she was never at anytime arrested by the EFCC as she only went to the anti-graft’s office in Abuja on her own accord to address allegation made against her recently.
The ex-minister, in a personally signed statement on Saturday, said, “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 mischievious 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.
“Owing to the respect for my former principal – Former President Muhammadu Buhari and his good office, I did not previously address the open allegation, however it has now become necessary to do so.
“Firstly, the decent & appropriate action, should this have been a genuine enquiry, would be to write to the Mininstry for Women Affairs, to enquire about any funds sent to the Ministry.
“To immediately jump to the open without any proper formal correspondence is highly unprofessional, portrays a lack of respect for the Ministry of Women Affairs and injurious to my person and character. Furthermore, I will like to state that there was no formal invitation from the anti-graft agency neither was I arrested.
“Again out of respect for the professionalism demonstrated by the EFCC, I will make this Press statement a brief one, to allow for a transparent enquiry.
“Finally, I urge all leaders in every sphere of our Society and remind them that our Economic and Political infrastructure are to be used to serve the Nation, from the highest office holder to the noblest of us and not to be used as a tool for bias or intimidation.”
