Ex- minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq speaks on N37bn fraud allegation

The immediate-past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has denied knowing a contractor, James Okwete, who is currently in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering N37bn.

Umar-Farouk said this while responding to the corruption allegation late Monday night in a message posted on her X handle (previously Twitter) and Instagram profile.

Reports say an ongoing EFCC probe revealed that N37bn was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with Okwete.

The former minister, who served in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, noted that the corruption allegation against her was a vicious attack on her person while expressing her readiness to defend herself whenever the call arises.

“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.

“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.

“I remain proud to have served my country as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”

Sadiya Umar-Farouq was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019 and served as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.