Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has extended an invitation to Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation into an alleged N37,170,855,753.44 fraud under her watch.
The investigation centers on funds purportedly laundered through a contractor, James Okwete.
A document from the EFCC revealed that Ms. Umar-Farouq has been requested to appear for an interview at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10 am.
The commission is probing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during her tenure as minister.
The document partly stated, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.
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“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Sadiya Umar-Farouq had previously denied any knowledge of James Okwete, the contractor implicated in the alleged fraud.
In a tweet on her official X handle, she stated, “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.
“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.
“I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so,” she disclosed. #EFCC