Days after expressing her willingness to defend her actions while serving as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning.
The EFCC is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 under her supervision, through a contractor named James Okwete.
According to a document, Ms Umar-Farouq has been requested to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in order to provide an explanation regarding the alleged fraud.
The document read in part, “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.
“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.”
Umar-Farouq had denied knowing the contractor, James Okwete, who is currently being held by the anti-corruption agency.
The former minister tweeted on her X handle on Monday, “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.”
