Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, is facing interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦37.1 billion fraud.
The investigation centers on funds reportedly laundered during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. The EFCC has summoned Umar-Farouq to appear on January 3, 2024, to address the allegations.
The anti-graft agency had previously arrested Okwete, who allegedly made statements linking the former minister and former directors-general of agencies under the ministry to the financial misappropriation.
The probe revealed that ₦37.1 billion was transferred from the Federal Government to 38 bank accounts connected to Okwete.
Umar-Farouq, in response to the allegations, denied any knowledge of Okwete and disassociated herself from the ongoing investigation. The EFCC is also reportedly investigating three other former ministers for graft totaling ₦150 billion.
The contractor, Okwete, allegedly used the laundered funds to make substantial transactions, including transferring money to Bureau De Change operators, purchasing luxury cars, and acquiring properties.
The ongoing investigation implicates the former minister and other officials connected to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
The EFCC is expected to take further actions, including possible arrests, based on the details provided by Okwete during the interrogation.
