Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has been directed to appear before investigators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain her role in the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.
The EFCC invited the ex-minister to appear for questioning at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
“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: 10am. 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,” the EFCC said in the document invited Umar-Farouq.
The development comes days after the minister denied any link with Okwete, whom she claimed she neither knew nor had any dealings with.
She also threatened to institute legal action against anyone linking her to the contractor.
“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.
“James Okwete neither worked for, 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 on the malicious attack on my person.
“I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so,” Umar-Farouq wrote on her Facebook page on Christmas Day.