The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its investigative efforts on Monday as it grilled the former Minister of Social Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, for hours over allegations of fraud.
A reliable source within the EFCC confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the former minister honored the commission's invitation and underwent extensive questioning at its headquarters on Monday morning.
"The former minister kept her promise of honoring the commission’s invitation over alleged misappropriation of a multibillion-naira social intervention fund during her tenure as minister,” the source stated.
While it is anticipated that Umar-Farouk might be released to go home, there are indications that she will need to return on Tuesday for further interrogation.
“She might not likely be detained; she may be allowed to go home but it will be very late, and she has to report tomorrow (Tuesday) morning for further interrogation,” the source mentioned.
The ongoing investigation centers around a substantial N37.1 billion allegedly laundered by officials of the ministry during Umar-Farouk’s tenure as minister. In a related development, the EFCC had previously interrogated Mrs. Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which falls under the ministry's supervision, a week ago.
