The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly summoned the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, for interrogation regarding an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 under her watch. The funds are said to have been funneled through a contractor, James Okwete.
According to an exclusive document obtained by our correspondent, the former minister has been requested to appear before EFCC interrogators at their headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to clarify her involvement in the alleged fraud.
The document states, “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…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.”
Efforts to reach Umar-Farouq for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone indicated that it was switched off. Her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, also declined to comment and subsequently turned off her phone when questioned about the matter.
The former minister had previously denied any association with James Okwete, the contractor currently in the custody of the EFCC. Umar-Farouq asserted on social media, “James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever…I have contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.”
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the invitation.
James Okwete, the contractor, has reportedly been cooperating with investigators, providing information that allegedly implicates the former minister and other directors-general of agencies under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Sources suggest that Umar-Farouq and some former directors-general might be arrested following the details of financial misappropriation provided by Okwete. Investigations reveal that the N37.1bn was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers to 38 different bank accounts linked to Okwete.
Documents indicate that Okwete utilized the funds for various transactions, including transfers to Bureau De Change operators, car purchases, and acquisitions of luxury houses. Over 50 companies were traced to Okwete, and he was reportedly linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks.
This development aligns with the broader probe into alleged graft by three other former ministers under the Buhari administration, estimated at N150bn.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs oversees eight agencies, and Sadiya Umar-Farouq was the pioneer minister appointed in July 2019. The funds in question were reportedly transferred between 2018 and 2023.
The investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricate details of financial transactions and alleged misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
