The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Sadiya Umar-Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, for questioning, regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged N37.17 billion fraud.
As learned by Quest Times, the probe centres around funds purportedly laundered during her tenure through a contractor named James Okwete.
According to an exclusive document obtained by journalists, Umar-Farouq has been requested to appear at the EFCC headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to address the accusations of money laundering.
The document cites violations under Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
Despite attempts to reach the former minister for comments on Saturday, her phone was reportedly switched off.
Her media aide, Nneka Ikem, dismissed inquiries, stating, “As you’re asking me, I’ll be asking you too. Where did you learn that the EFCC has invited her?”
Furthermore, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the invitation.
James Okwete, the contractor allegedly involved in the fraudulent activities, has already been apprehended by the EFCC. He is said to be cooperating with investigators and has provided information linking Umar-Farouq and former directors-general of agencies under the ministry to the financial misappropriation.
The investigation also extends to three other former ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, with allegations of graft totaling N150 billion.
The EFCC revealed that funds amounting to N37.1 billion were transferred from the Federal Government to 38 different bank accounts linked to Okwete.
Moreover, documents indicate that Okwete utilized the funds for various purposes, including transferring substantial amounts to Bureau De Change operators, withdrawing cash, purchasing luxury cars, and acquiring properties in Abuja and Enugu.
Besides, he is associated with 53 companies, with 47 allegedly used to secure Federal Government contracts totaling N27.4 billion.
It is worth noting that the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, served as the pioneer minister in this ministry, appointed by President Buhari in July 2019.