Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has formally requested an extension for her meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing health challenges.
The extension is related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure, reportedly involving a contractor named James Okwete.GOVIMA wednesday that the former finance minister refused to honor the anti-graft agency hacing waited for about eight hours
She sent a letter to the commission seeking additional time for the meeting. The former minister’s legal representative also met with the EFCC on her behalf.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the commission has mandated Umar-Farouq to submit herself promptly for interrogation and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
The alleged fraud came to light when a reporter revealed obtaining a degree in under two months from a university in Benin Republic and subsequently enrolling in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for the second time. This revelation prompted the Federal Government to ban the validation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
Despite the health-related extension request, the EFCC is determined to trace all transactions involved in the case. The commission maintains that it will continue its investigation and will hold accountable those found responsible for any fraudulent activities.
Earlier reports suggested that the former minister may face arrest by the EFCC if she does not voluntarily appear for questioning.
The commission had invited Umar-Farouq to provide details on the alleged N37.1 billion fraud uncovered during her tenure. The invitation specified her appearance at the EFCC Headquarters on January 3, 2024.
Monitoring developments at the EFCC Headquarters on the scheduled day, it was observed that Umar-Farouq did not show up for the interrogation. The commission closed operations for the day as it became evident that she was not going to appear.
The investigation revolves around the former minister’s tenure as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The alleged fraud reportedly involves the laundering of funds through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, with a contractor, James Okwete, cooperating with investigators and providing crucial information.
While Umar-Farouq seeks an extension for health reasons, the EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to unraveling the details of the alleged fraud, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the ongoing investigation.
