EFCC gives ex-minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq 72-hour ultimatum over alleged N37b laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has mandated the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to appear for questioning at its Abuja headquarters. The ex-minister, citing health issues, sought a three-week extension through her counsel, which the EFCC rejected. The agency insists she must appear within three days.

Sadiya Umar-Farouq is under investigation for the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 in her ministry during her tenure, involving a contractor named James Okwete. Despite her denial of any connection with the implicated contractor, the EFCC maintains the need for her interrogation.

Having officially communicated her health challenges to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the agency responded, rejecting a three-week delay and instead providing a three-day window for her appearance or risk being declared wanted. The EFCC emphasized its new system allowing individuals to be interviewed and return home the same day.

In response to her health-related plea, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that while she did not attend the scheduled interview, she provided reasons and her lawyer briefed the agency. Oyewale clarified that the N37.1 billion mentioned may not be the final misappropriated amount, as investigations are ongoing, and the actual figure may exceed the current estimates.

Furthermore, Oyewale revealed that the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, linked to the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, has been released after interrogation regarding funds leaving the ministry’s coffers.