Umar-Farouq Speaks On ‘Links With Arrested Contractor Over Alleged N37b Theft’

Umar-Farouq Speaks On ‘Links With Arrested Contractor Over Alleged N37b Theft’

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has refuted any knowledge of contractor James Okwete, who was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering amounting to N37 billion.

Okwete is accused of transferring funds to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrawing cash, purchasing luxury cars, and acquiring properties in Abuja and Enugu State.

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Allegedly linked to 53 companies, he is said to have secured Federal Government contracts through 47 companies, totaling N27.4 billion.

In response to reports connecting her with the suspect, Umar-Farouq stated that she has no knowledge of Okwete. She emphasized her service as a minister with a sense of responsibility and pledged to defend her actions if called upon to do so.

“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.”

She stated that Okwete neither worked for, nor represented her in any way whatsoever that the linkages and associations to her 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.”

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