Abuja – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted media reports alleging that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, ignored an invitation from the commission.
In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified that the former minister did not shun the invitation, providing reasons for her absence due to health challenges.
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.”
Acknowledging her health concerns, the EFCC spokesman affirmed that the commission had considered her plea and expected her to honor the invitation without further delay. He emphasized that there might not be a basis for her arrest, as she had communicated through her lawyer.
“The position of the commission is that she should turn herself in without further delay,” Oyewale stated.
Regarding the reported misappropriation of N37.1 billion by the ministry, he clarified that the figure might not be accurate as investigations were ongoing. “We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking, and it may be more than what is being brandished now,” he explained.
In related news, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, who was arrested earlier in connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry, has been released. She has been directed to appear at the EFCC office for further interrogation until the investigation concludes.
“She was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she has been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her,” Oyewale added.
