Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister denies involvement with alleged N37bn money laundering scam

Immediate Past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has reacted to reports making the rounds in the media linking her with a contractor, James Okwete, who was alleged to have laundered N37 billion.

Okwete is currently under arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Farouq denied knowing Okwete, and emphasized her readiness to defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.

Her rejoinder was titled, “THE ATTACK ON MY PERSON”, posted via her X account on Monday, December 25, 2023.

She said: “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. 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.”

A report by The Punch said EFCC “uncovered a total sum of N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

“Details of the ongoing probe exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH revealed that the money 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 a contractor, James Okwete.

“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.”