Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to meet with interrogators regarding an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The funds are said to have been channeled through contractor James Okwete.
Umar-Farouq arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 10 am on Monday, confirming her presence through a tweet later in the day. The former minister had earlier cited health challenges and sought an extension of the deadline to meet with EFCC interrogators. However, she ultimately complied with the invitation, arriving for the scheduled meeting.
The probe revolves around the alleged fraudulent transfer of the funds from the Federal Government to various bank accounts linked to Okwete, the contractor. The money, meant for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, was reportedly used for various transactions, including transfers to Bureau De Change operators, cash withdrawals, car purchases, and acquisition of properties in Abuja and Enugu State.
Umar-Farouq’s failure to appear on the initially scheduled date led to speculation about a possible arrest by EFCC operatives. However, she later sent a legal representative to the commission, citing health challenges and seeking additional time. The commission mandated her to submit herself without further delay.
In the ongoing investigation, Okwete, who was arrested by the EFCC, is said to have provided useful statements implicating the former minister and other directors-general of the ministry. The N37.1 billion financial misappropriation involved transfers to 38 different bank accounts in five legacy commercial banks.
The EFCC’s scrutiny extends beyond Umar-Farouq, as three other former ministers are reportedly under investigation for graft estimated at N150 billion. The ministry, currently overseeing various agencies, has faced multiple allegations of financial irregularities, raising concerns about accountability within government institutions.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the alleged financial mismanagement during Umar-Farouq’s tenure as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.