Taraba Official Submits Self To Security Agencies Over Relief Material Scandal

The executive secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Echuseh Audu, has reported herself to security and investigative authorities over allegations of diverting relief materials meant for underprivileged and vulnerable persons in the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Audu submitted herself to the state command of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC and the special adviser to the Governor on Security.

Audu, who oversees the distribution of humanitarian support to internally displaced persons and low-income households, has also reportedly petitioned the attorney-general and the commissioner of justice, urging them to conduct a thorough probe into the claims.

LEADERSHIP recalls that one Abdulmumin Imam, on his Facebook page, accused Dr Audu of diverting large quantities of relief materials meant for distribution to vulnerable households and internally displaced persons in the state.

He claimed that over 10,000 bags of rice and more than 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil were diverted and sold outside Taraba State.

Audu, however, denied the allegations and insisted on a comprehensive investigation by the authorities to clear her name.

She called for a transparent process and an evidence-driven investigation, as the outcome would determine her next course of action.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday, she said her decision was driven by the need to safeguard the agency’s integrity and prevent the misinterpretation of her silence.

“An allegation was made; keeping silent by law could be interpreted as consent. We have worked hard to build a credible reputation for Taraba SEMA and to support the vulnerable,” she said.

Audu said that the allegations, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust and discourage donors from supporting the agency’s critical operations.

“So, many things are at stake. We must sustain trust and confidence and dispel doubts. That is why I submitted myself for investigation,” she added.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no documentary evidence had been provided to substantiate the claims.

Audu challenged the accusers to present verifiable proof and stressed that accountability must be evidence-based.

She also questioned the feasibility of the alleged diversion, noting that moving such volumes of goods would be difficult to conceal.

Meanwhile, the state police command has initiated an investigation into the matter to unravel the truth behind the claims.

In a letter obtained by LEADERSHIP in Jalingo and signed by the assistant commissioner of police (SCID), Idoko James Oche, the SCID invited Abdulmumin Imam, who made the allegations, to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026.

The letter reads in part, “This office is investigating a case of cyberbullying, criminal defamation of character and criminal intimidation, in which your name featured prominently.

“In view of this, you are requested to report to the deputy commissioner of police, SCID, Jalingo, through ACCID on April 1, 2026, at 1000hrs for consolidation of investigation.”