N37.1bn Fraud: Umar-Farouq Trashes Allegations, Says I’ve Nothing To Hide

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BY VICTOR BUORO – The pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has trashed allegations of being involved in the alleged laundering N37 billion during her duty tour in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), insisting that there is no cause for her to be afraid.

According to her, she served as a Minister under the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration with every sense of responsibility and was ready to defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.

Additionally, she has denied knowing the controversial contractor, James Okwete, arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged laundering of the N37 billion.

In a rebuttal posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Umar-Farouk, who was appointed in July 2019 as the youngest cabinet member said; “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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.”

Reports had emerged in the media that details of an ongoing EFCC investigation indicated that N37 billion 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 the contractor Okwete, said to have been arrested and is currently in detention at the the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, located in Jabi, Abuja.

It was gathered that  following receipt of the funds, Okwete allegedly transferred N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrew N540,000,000.00 in cash, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600.00, and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.00.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is the parent Ministry to eight agencies and parastatals that include the National Social Investment Office, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons.

The Ministry also oversees the activities carried out by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals among others.

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