Sadiya Umar Farouk Responds to EFCC Summons Over Alleged N37 Billion Fraud

In a significant development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, the former minister of social development, disaster management, and humanitarian affairs, has made her way to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respond to allegations of fraud. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into the purported laundering of N37.10 billion during her tenure in office, with the funds alleged to have been routed through a contractor named James Okwete.

Umar-Farouk, who held office during the administration of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at the EFCC headquarters at approximately 10 am on Monday, January 8. Confirming her presence, she took to her X page around 10:20 am, tweeting, “I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honor the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating.”

This development follows a recent invitation from the anti-graft agency as part of their probe into the actions of the ex-minister during her tenure in the ministry. Notably, Umar-Farouk had, citing health concerns, formally written to the EFCC, requesting an extension of the deadline for her meeting with interrogators regarding the ongoing investigation into the alleged N37.17 billion laundering through the contractor Okwete.

In a previous communication on her X page, the embattled Minister had refuted the allegations against her during her time in office. Denying any collaboration with an agent named James Okwete, she described media reports linking her to the individual as spurious. In her statement, she emphasized, “James Okwete neither worked for me nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have, however, contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress for the malicious attack.”

The unfolding saga highlights the intricacies surrounding the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities, bringing to light the former minister’s efforts to address the allegations and present her side of the story. The developments at the EFCC headquarters are closely monitored by Infostride News as the investigation progresses.