In a recent development, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, chose to disregard an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday.
The EFCC is currently investigating an alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure through a contractor named James Okwete.
Umar-Farouq, who was scheduled to appear before EFCC investigators at their headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday at 10:00 am, failed to show up without offering any official communication to the commission explaining her absence.
Despite keeping interrogators waiting for over eight hours, there was no sign of the former minister at the anti-graft agency’s office.
A source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the interrogation team had to conclude their work at 6 pm as it became evident that Umar-Farouq would not be attending. Journalists had gathered at the EFCC headquarters in anticipation of her arrival.
The EFCC had initially invited the ex-minister to provide insight into an ongoing investigation concerning an alleged N37.1 billion fraud uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The invitation, dated January 3, 2024, cited money laundering during Umar-Farouq’s tenure and requested her presence for an interview, as per the relevant legal provisions.
Efforts to reach the former minister for comments proved futile, and her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, was evasive when questioned about the matter.
Umar-Farouq had previously denied any association with the contractor, James Okwete, who is currently in EFCC custody. In a tweet on Monday, she stated that Okwete was unknown to her and had never worked for or represented her in any capacity. Expressing her intent to explore legal options, she defended her actions and stewardship during her tenure.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the situation.
This development coincides with the broader probe into alleged graft involving three other ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The total amount under investigation is estimated at N150 billion. Sadiya Umar-Farouq, appointed by Buhari in July 2019, was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
