The minister of social development, disaster management, and humanitarian affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk has presented herself at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters for questioning in connection to alleged fraudulent activities.
The investigation centers around the purported laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure, allegedly facilitated through a contractor named James Okwete.
Umar-Farouk arrived at the EFCC's office at approximately 10 am on Monday, January 8, in response to the commission's invitation. Confirming her presence, she took to her social media platform "X" at 10:20 am, stating, “I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating.”
It should be noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a three-day ultimatum to the former Minister of Social Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, on January 5, 2024. The ultimatum mandated her to visit the EFCC office for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud.
Meanwhile, citing health concerns, the former minister had formally requested an extension of the deadline to meet with EFCC interrogators regarding the ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her term, facilitated by contractor James Okwete.
The unfolding developments shed light on the intensification of scrutiny over financial transactions during Umar-Farouk's tenure.
Details later...