Former Minister Denies Links to Contractor in EFCC Probe, Vows to Defend Reputation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, for questioning in an ongoing probe.

The investigation centers on the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure, with a focus on a contractor named James Okwete.

The anti-graft agency directed Umar-Farouq, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, to appear before interrogators at its headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to clarify her involvement in the suspected fraud.

A document obtained by The PUNCH revealed, “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.

In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10 am.

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.”

Attempts to contact the ex-minister on Saturday were unsuccessful, as her phone appeared to be switched off. When approached, her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, dismissed the inquiry and promptly turned off her phone.

Umar-Farouq had previously disavowed any knowledge of James Okwete, the contractor in question, currently held by the anti-graft agency.

In a tweet on her handle, she stated, “There have been reports linking me to an EFCC investigation into the activities of James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.

James Okwete neither worked for nor represented me. The linkages to my person are spurious. I have contacted my legal team to explore options to seek redress on this malicious attack.”

She affirmed her pride in serving the country and pledged to defend her actions during her tenure as minister.