Buhari's Minister Is Invited By The EFCC To Participate In An Inquiry

Ex-humanitarian Minister Sadiya Farouq is invited by the EFCC due to a suspected N37 billion fraud

The N37,170,855,753.44 that was purportedly laundered under her supervision through a contractor named James Okwete has prompted the EFCC to extend an invitation to Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the former minister was asked to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja, to provide an explanation for the alleged fraud.

The report states that on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the EFCC headquarters in Jabbi, Abuja, the former minister has been asked to appear before the interrogators to provide an explanation for the purported fraud.

“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 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

Last week, Umar Farouq denied rumors that she knew about or was a part of the purported contract scam involving Okwete.

This is the statement she put up on her X account: “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.”