The immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Ms Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has ‘declined’ an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over ongoing probe of the N37.17 billion allegedly laundered by her ministry.
The ex-minister was scheduled to appear at the anti-graft headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, yesterday, January 3, 2024, for interrogation over the alleged fraud under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete, Persecondnews gathered.
She would have been the first guest of the EFCC in the new year if she had honoured the invite.
However, citing health challenges, Ms. Umar-Farouq officially wrote to the EFCC seeking an extension of the deadline to honour the invitation.
An EFCC official, who declined to be mentioned, exclusively disclosed to Persecondnews that the ex-minister sent her legal representative to the commission seeking more time.
Persecondnews quotes from a document earlier issued by the anti-graft agency: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am.
“This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
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