[Exclusive] Former Minister Breaks Silence On ₦37.1bn Fraud Allegations, Reveals Reasons For Ignoring EFCC’s Summons...CONTINUE READING
Citing health issues, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has officially communicated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting an extension for the deadline to meet with EFCC interrogators regarding an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The funds were purportedly channeled through a contractor named James Okwete…..
Previously reported exclusively by The BUSHRADIOGIST, Umar-Farouq faced the threat of arrest by EFCC operatives for her failure to appear before interrogators at the EFCC Headquarters on the specified date. In response to the situation, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed in an exclusive telephone interview that Umar had submitted a letter through her legal representative, seeking additional time for the meeting due to health challenges.
Oyewale stated, “The former Humanitarian Minister didn’t appear before the commission yesterday, but she sent in a letter pleading for more time and also explaining that she has some health challenges and that was why she couldn’t honour the invitation. She also sent in her lawyer to meet with interrogators.”
However, the EFCC remains steadfast in its pursuit of the investigation, with Oyewale confirming that the commission has mandated Umar to present herself without further delay. The spokesperson emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and a comprehensive figure for the alleged transactions cannot be provided at this stage.
The BUSHRADIOGIST had previously reported that Umar-Farouq kept interrogators waiting for over eight hours without official communication. Despite the presence of journalists at the EFCC Headquarters expecting her arrival, Umar-Farouq did not show up for interrogation, prompting the interrogators to retire for the day.
Sources within the EFCC hinted at the possibility of Umar-Farouq’s arrest within the week if she fails to voluntarily appear for questioning. The ongoing investigation revolves around an alleged N37.1bn fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during her tenure. The EFCC had formally invited her to provide an account of the financial irregularities.
It was previously reported that a contractor, James Okwete, linked to the money laundering, had been arrested and was cooperating with investigators. The funds were allegedly laundered through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during Umar-Farouq’s term.
Umar-Farouq, the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, had been appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019. The investigation adds another layer to the controversies surrounding the ministry, which was earlier implicated in financial improprieties related to the school feeding program during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
