The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given a renewed 72-hour ultimatum for the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to appear before its investigators in connection with an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure.
On Thursday, Sadiya requested a three-week extension for her summons citing health challenges. The ex-minister is under investigation for the alleged laundering of funds through a contractor, James Okwete.
Despite denying any association with the implicated contractor, the anti-graft commission is insistent on her participation in the inquiry. In response to her health-related letter, the EFCC rejected the three-week delay, prompting the commission to issue a new ultimatum of three days or risk being declared wanted.
The EFCC emphasized that their new system allows individuals to appear before investigators and return home on the same day. Even if medical assistance is needed, the commission assures access to their top-notch facilities.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, confirmed receiving Sadiya’s letter explaining her health challenges and reiterated that the agency has responded accordingly. Oyewale also clarified that the mentioned N37.1 billion might not accurately represent the misappropriated amount, as the investigation is ongoing and the actual figure may be higher.
In a related development, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, have been released after interrogation. Shehu, responsible for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme during Buhari’s tenure, faced queries regarding funds leaving the ministry’s coffers under her watch.
