The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for questioning regarding an alleged N37.17 billion fraud that transpired under her tenure.
The investigation revolves around funds reportedly laundered through a contractor, James Okwete.
The EFCC, through an official document, directed Sadiya Umar Farouq to appear at their headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10 am.
The commission cited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as the legal basis for the inquiry.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, who had previously expressed readiness to defend her actions while in office, is confronted with allegations of money laundering during her tenure.
In response, she disavowed any knowledge of James Okwete, the implicated contractor currently in EFCC custody.
In a statement she personally signed, the former minister stated: “There have been several 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.”
She said Okwete had no association with her and pledged to explore legal options to address what she termed a “malicious attack” on her reputation.
While asserting her pride in serving the country, Umar Farouq maintained that she would vigorously defend her actions, stewardship, and programs during her tenure when called upon to do so.
The unfolding investigation raises questions about financial accountability within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during the period in question, prompting heightened scrutiny and public interest.
Her statement reads: “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the EFCC 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.”
Recall that, Okwete’s arrest coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, for graft estimated at N150 billion.
The contractor allegedly transferred N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrew N540,000,000.00 in cash, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600.00, and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.00.
Fifty-three companies were allegedly traced to Okwete, who was also said to have used 47 companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.
He is also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks of which 134 are corporate accounts linked to different companies.
It is gathered that Okwete has made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Umar-Farouk and some former agencies’ directors-general under the ministry might be arrested by EFCC following the details of the financial misappropriation so far revealed to investigators by the contractor.
