Former Minister Evades EFCC Invitation Amid N37.1bn Fraud Probe

In a startling turn of events, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, failed to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, regarding the alleged N37.1bn fraud investigation during her tenure. Despite being scheduled for a 10:00 am interview at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Umar-Farouq kept interrogators waiting for over eight hours without offering any official communication.

Our correspondent, present at the EFCC headquarters, confirmed the former minister's absence, revealing that the interrogation team had to conclude their work at 6 pm when it became evident she would not attend. Journalists, anticipating her arrival, gathered at the EFCC office, intensifying the media scrutiny surrounding the case.

The EFCC had earlier exclusively invited Umar-Farouq to address questions related to the ongoing investigation into an alleged ₦37.1bn fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The former minister, in response to the invitation, had denied any knowledge of the contractor, James Okwete, who is central to the investigation and is currently in EFCC custody.

Umar-Farouq, in a tweet on Monday, stated, "James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever," distancing herself from the unfolding scandal. She expressed her commitment to defending her actions during her tenure and announced contacting her legal team to explore possible redress against what she termed a malicious attack on her person.

The EFCC's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the matter when approached, adding further mystery to the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, the arrest of James Okwete has reportedly yielded valuable information regarding Umar-Farouq and former director-generals of the ministry.

This development coincides with the broader probe of three other ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC is reportedly investigating graft allegations amounting to N150bn against these ministers. Umar-Farouq, appointed by Buhari in July 2019, was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The unfolding saga raises questions about accountability and transparency within the government's ranks.