Sadiya Umar-Farouq didn’t shun invitation over alleged N37Billion fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, did not decline the agency’s invitation, as reported by the media on Wednesday.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesman for the EFCC, provided this clarification to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. According to Oyewale, the former minister had sent a letter to the EFCC, notifying the agency that she would be unable to attend the invitation due to health challenges.
The statement aims to address the earlier reports suggesting that Sadiya Umar-Farouq had allegedly shunned the EFCC’s invitation. The clarification emphasizes that her absence was a result of documented health challenges, as communicated to the anti-corruption body.
Further details on the nature of the health challenges and any rescheduling of the invitation are yet to be provided. The EFCC’s clarification is expected to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding the former minister’s non-appearance and dispel any misconceptions arising from earlier media reports. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Oyewale stated, “It is true that she didn’t show up, but she sent a letter pleading for more time, explaining that she had some health challenges. She didn’t shun EFCC invitation; she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up. Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation.”
While the former minister has provided reasons for her non-appearance, Oyewale emphasized that the commission expects her to honor the invitation without further delay. He stated that there might not be a need for her arrest since she has communicated through her lawyer.
Regarding the reported misappropriation amount of N37.1 billion by the ministry, Oyewale cautioned against confirming the figure definitively. He explained, “On the figure that is being branded, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing. We are still tracing all the transactions here and there; it may be more than that.”
Oyewale highlighted that the commission would refrain from publishing a specific figure until the tracking of all transactions is completed, suggesting that the amount could potentially exceed the currently reported sum. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as the situation develops