Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered under her supervision through a contractor, James Okwete.
According to an exclusive document obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the former minister was summoned to appear before interrogators at the EFCC offices in Jabbi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud.
The document read in part, “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, January 3, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38(I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Umar-Farouq tweeted on her X handle on Monday, “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 with my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress for 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 programs during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”
