Alleged Diversion: Taraba SEMA Boss Submits Self to Probe, Insists Accusers Must Provide Verifiable Proof

The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. EchusehAudu, has submitted herself to security and investigative authorities for probe following allegations of diversion of relief materials meant for vulnerable residents in the state.

Findings by Taraba Truth and Facts revealed that Audu reported to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, and the Taraba State Ministry of Justice, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the claims.

Audu, who oversees the distribution of humanitarian supplies to internally displaced persons and 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 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 warned that such allegations could undermine the agency's efforts to attract support from donor organisations and erode public trust.

"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 added.

The controversy followed claims circulating on social media alleging 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, no documentary evidence had been provided to substantiate the allegations.

Audu challenged her accusers to present 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 large quantities 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 investigation into the matter. In a letter obtained by our correspondent, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) invited AbdulmuminImam, 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 requested to report to 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 the Assistant Commissioner of Police (SCID), Idoko James Oche.

As of press time, Audu maintained that she is ready to face investigation and called for a transparent, evidence-driven process, noting that the outcome would determine the next course of action.