Nigeria’s former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has shunned an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probing the N37.1bn allegedly laundered while she was Minister through James Okwete, a contractor.
The former Minister kept interrogators waiting for more than eight hours without a formal communication to the commission as to why she did not honour the invitation.
According to reports, she was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at around 10:00 am, to give an explanation on the alleged fraud that happened under her watch.
However, she did not show up at the anti-graft agency’s office for questioning.
An interrogator, who spoke with Punch revealed that the interrogation team had to close from work around 6pm when they were sure that she was not going to show up.
The interrogator said: “We just closed from work now because she didn’t show up today, and it’s 6pm already. It’s certain that she’s never going to show up today.”
Recall that the EFCC invited her to answer questions which border on an ongoing investigation into an alleged ₦37.1bn fraud unveiled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The document partly read, “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. 10:00 am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and Section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Umar-Farouq denied knowing the contractor, Okwete, who is still being detained by the EFCC.
While reacting to the development, Umar-Farouq tweeted: “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.”
