N37 Billion: Sadiya Farouk Arrives EFFC Headquarters

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk arrives at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, in Abuja to honour the invitation in the ongoing probe of N37 billion allegedly laundered during her tenure in office.

“I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honor the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating.”

Ms. Sadiya who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari is currently under probe over the N37,170,855,753.44 reportedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.

She was asked to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud. An invitation which was not honoured.

According to the Dele Oyewale, the spokesman for the agency, Umar-Farouq had sent a letter to the EFCC informing the agency that she would not be able to honour the invitation because she was indisposed due to health challenges.

“It is true that she didn’t show up but she sent a letter pleading for more time explaining that she had some health challenges.

“She didn’t shun EFCC invitation, she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up. Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation.”

Meanwhile, in December, the former Minister tweeted on her X handle, “There have been several 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 for 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 programs during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”