Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has firmly refuted any connection to the alleged N37.1bn fraud involving contractor James Okwete.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Okwete, accusing him of laundering funds transferred from the Federal Government to various bank accounts. The ongoing probe reveals Okwete’s alleged transactions, including transfers to Bureau De Change operators, cash withdrawals, luxury car purchases, and acquisition of properties in Abuja and Enugu.
Umar-Farouq, responding to the accusations, disavowed any knowledge of Okwete, emphasizing that linkages to her were spurious. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.”
She remains proud of her service as a minister and asserts that she will defend her actions, stewardship, and programs during her tenure when called upon to do so.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the prosecution of all individuals involved in the scandal, emphasizing the need for accountability and consequences for financial mismanagement within government ministries. The allegations against Umar-Farouq come in the wake of previous revelations of financial impropriety related to the ministry’s school feeding program.
As the investigation unfolds, concerns about corruption within ministries tasked with addressing societal needs continue to surface, prompting calls for thorough scrutiny and legal action against those responsible. Stay tuned for further updates as developments in this case progress.
