Sadiya Umar-Farouq, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has refuted any knowledge of James Okwete, a contractor who was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of laundering N37bn.
Umar-Farouq asserted her commitment to her responsibilities as a minister and vowed to defend her actions if necessary.
She communicated this denial through a message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called for the prosecution of all individuals involved in the case.
AKELICIOUS previously reported that ongoing investigations by the EFCC uncovered transactions amounting to N37bn, which were transferred from the Federal Government’s funds and distributed among 38 bank accounts held in five legacy commercial banks associated with or linked to Okwete.
Responding to the development on Monday, Umar-Farouk 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.”
