EFCC questions former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extensively questioned Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Social Development, Disaster Management, and Humanitarian Affairs, on Monday regarding accusations of fraud.
A reliable source within the EFCC confirmed that the ex-minister appeared at the commission’s headquarters as scheduled on Monday morning, fulfilling her commitment to respond to the allegations of misappropriation of a substantial social intervention fund during her tenure.
According to the source, there is a possibility that Umar-Farouk might be allowed to leave and return for further questioning on Tuesday, rather than being detained immediately. The source indicated that if released, it would likely be late in the day, requiring her to report back for additional interrogation the following morning.
The EFCC’s current investigation is centered on the alleged laundering of a significant sum of N37.1 billion by officials of the ministry during Umar-Farouk’s term as minister.
In a related development, the EFCC had previously questioned Mrs. Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which falls under the ministry’s supervision, just one week prior.