JUST IN: Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Honors EFCC Summons Amidst Fraud Allegations

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, answered the call of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, as the anti-graft agency delves into allegations of a staggering N37 billion misappropriation during her tenure.

Umar Farouq, who held the ministerial post from 2019 to 2023 in the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was urged by the EFCC on January 4 to present herself promptly after reports suggested she had initially disregarded the agency’s invitation.

Citing health challenges as the reason for her delayed response, Umar Farouq expressed her commitment to defending her actions and initiatives during her term. She affirmed, “I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and will defend my actions, stewardship, and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”

The investigation into the alleged financial misconduct within the ministry under her watch unfolds as the EFCC aims to ascertain the facts surrounding the N37 billion fraud. The former minister’s appearance at the EFCC office signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing probe, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the case.