Former Minister Faces EFCC Probe Over N37bn Fraud

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, for an interview regarding an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 under her watch. The probe focuses on a contractor, James Okwete, through whom the funds were allegedly laundered. Umar-Farouq has been asked to appear before the EFCC on January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud.

Key Points:

• The former minister is expected to clarify her involvement in the money laundering case during her tenure.
• The alleged fraud involves the transfer of N37.1bn from the Federal Government's coffers to 38 different bank accounts.
• James Okwete, the contractor linked to the case, has reportedly provided useful information to investigators.
• Umar-Farouq had earlier denied knowledge of Okwete, stating that he neither worked for nor represented her.
• The EFCC is also investigating three other former ministers for alleged graft estimated at N150bn.
• The ministry under scrutiny serves as the parent ministry to various agencies, including the National Social Investment Office and the National Commission for Refugees.

Response and Denial:

• Umar-Farouq has not commented on the EFCC's invitation, and her former media aide declined to provide information.
• The former minister had previously denied any connection with James Okwete and expressed readiness to defend her actions during her tenure.

Ongoing Developments:

• The EFCC arrested James Okwete in connection with the alleged money laundering, and he is said to have provided details implicating Umar-Farouq and former directors-general of agencies under the ministry.
• The investigation coincides with the scrutiny of three other former ministers for graft amounting to N150bn.

Budget Misappropriation Details:

• Investigations indicate that the N37.1bn was transferred to 38 different bank accounts linked to Okwete.
• Okwete, the contractor, allegedly used the funds for various purposes, including Bureau De Change transactions, cash withdrawals, luxury car purchases, and property acquisitions.
• The case involves a total of 53 companies linked to Okwete, with 47 companies used to secure Federal Government contracts.
• The funds were traced to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during Umar-Farouq's tenure.

The unfolding case sheds light on alleged financial misappropriation within the ministry, prompting further investigations and potential legal actions against those implicated.