₦37.1bn Fraud Probe: Why I Didn’t Honour EFCC’s Invitation — Ex-minister, Umar-Farouq

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has formally communicated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting an extension to meet with interrogators due to ongoing investigations into an alleged ₦37,170,855,753.44 laundered during her tenure. The probe centers around transactions conducted through contractor James Okwete.

Despite an exclusive report indicating a potential arrest, Umar-Farouq, citing health challenges, sent a legal representative to the EFCC and pleaded for additional time. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the communication, asserting the commission’s insistence on Umar-Farouq’s prompt appearance.

In a Wednesday interview, Oyewale disclosed, “The former Humanitarian Minister didn’t appear before the commission yesterday, but she sent in a letter pleading for more time and also explaining that she has some health challenges.”

Umar-Farouq’s absence on Wednesday, leaving interrogators waiting for over eight hours without official communication, prompted speculations about a potential arrest. An anonymous source within the EFCC suggested that if she doesn’t voluntarily appear, an arrest may follow within the week.

The ongoing investigation involves an alleged ₦37.1bn fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during Umar-Farouq’s tenure. The former minister’s former media aide and herself remained unavailable for comments.

Earlier reports detailed the arrest of contractor James Okwete, connected to the alleged money laundering. The contractor is said to be cooperating with investigators, providing details that implicate Umar-Farouq and former ministry directors-general.

Umar-Farouq, appointed as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in July 2019, faces scrutiny over her involvement in the alleged fraud. The investigation unfolds amid previous revelations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which uncovered N2.67bn intended for the ministry’s school feeding program in private bank accounts.

ICPC Chairman Prof Bolaji Owasanoye disclosed the findings in 2020, revealing payments made to federal colleges during the COVID-19 lockdown. The revelations included 18 buildings, 12 business premises, and 25 plots of land linked to the ministry’s funds, sparking further concerns over financial mismanagement.