Ex-humanitarian affairs minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, arrives EFCC office

Former Minister of Social Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour an invitation from the anti-graft agency, following claims of misconduct and abuse of office to the tune of N37 billion.

Umar-Farouq disclosed her arrival at the anti-graft authorities head office in Abuja via her X social media platform on Monday.

She said: “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.”

The former minister had reportedly shunned the EFCC invitations to appear in person for questioning regarding her alleged involvement in the case of N37, 170,855,753.44 purportedly laundered in her ministry during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete.

As a result, the EFCC gave the former minister an ultimatum to appear at its Abuja headquarters.

The EFCC had detained Mr Okwete last year due to his involvement in the ongoing investigation into the N37 billion purportedly laundered in the ministry.

The Federal Government’s funds were reportedly transferred to 38 separate bank accounts located in five legacy commercial banks that either belonged to or were associated with Okwete, after an investigation by the EFCC was conducted, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Ms Umar-Farouq had earlier denied knowledge of Mr Okwete, saying she remained proud to have served as a minister.

Responding to the development in a tweet last month, Ms Umar-Farouq said: “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.”