The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, identified as James Okwete.
The anti-graft agency, in a document, directed Umar-Farouq, who served under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, to appear before interrogators at its headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud.
The document partly reads: “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.
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“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: 10 am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Reacting to the allegation, Umar-Farouq’s former media aide, Nneka Ikem, said: “As you’re asking me? I’ll be asking you too, where did you learn that the EFCC has invited her,” Ikem queried PUNCH correspondence before ending the call.
