The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly interrogated the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, for over 12 hours at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
The interrogation focused on her relationship with a contractor, James Okwete, in connection with the disbursement of ₦37,170,855,753.44 paid into his bank accounts through agencies in the ministry.
During the questioning, Umar-Farouk was asked to provide a statement explaining her connection with Okwete and the flow of funds into his accounts.
She was shown documents detailing the movement of funds from the ministry to various bank accounts associated with Okwete.
While Umar-Farouk was released on bail, she is required to report to the EFCC daily. Okwete, the contractor involved in the investigation, had previously been released on administrative bail.
Documents revealed that Okwete transferred funds to Bureau De Change operators, withdrew cash, purchased luxury cars, and acquired properties in Abuja and Enugu.
The investigation has identified 53 companies linked to Okwete, with 47 of them securing Federal Government contracts totaling N27,423,824,339.86. Okwete is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks.
The former minister tweeted about her presence at the EFCC headquarters, stating that she was there to offer clarifications on issues being investigated by the anti-graft agency.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune