A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, in the Buhari’s administration, Sadiya Umar Faruk, has been invited by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N37 billion alleged fraud.
The ex-minister would appear before the anti-graft agency on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
According to a report by the PUNCH on Sunday, Sadiya who was invited in connection with N37 billion allegedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.
The EFCC, according to the report, said the former minister is expected to explain the alleged fraud as seen in an exclusive document.
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, 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 spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, has refused to comment on the invitation to the former minister, saying “I’m not around at the moment, and I can’t speak on that, please,” Oyewale said.
The former minister last week said she doesn’t know any contractor, James Okwete, who is currently in the EFCC’s custody
Umar Faruk 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 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.”
