The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into the alleged N37 billion money laundering case linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
Contractor James Okwete has been arrested in connection with the probe, providing valuable statements concerning the former minister and other high-ranking officials.
A top EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Okwete had been cooperating with investigators, divulging information that implicated Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry. The arrest aligns with the broader investigation into three other former ministers who, collectively, are suspected of involvement in graft amounting to N150 billion.
The probe focuses on the alleged misappropriation of funds transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers to 38 different bank accounts linked to or connected with Okwete. The contractor has reportedly shared details of financial transactions, leading to the recovery of N37.1 billion.
Umar-Farouk and some former directors-general of agencies under the ministry may face arrests based on the information provided by Okwete, as per EFCC sources.
The former minister, who was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has not yet responded to media inquiries.
Okwete, currently held at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, was reportedly arrested four days ago and is said to have cooperated extensively with investigators. The contractor is allegedly linked to the transfer of funds, withdrawals, and significant financial transactions, including the purchase of luxury items and properties.
Documents obtained by The PUNCH revealed to newsmen indicate that Okwete used 53 companies to secure Federal Government contracts totaling N27,423,824,339.86. Investigations further revealed that Okwete, associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks, received funds totaling N37,170,855,753.44 between 2018 and 2023.
While Okwete is said to have been cooperative with the EFCC, the former minister’s media aide, Nneka Ikem, and the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, have not provided comments on the matter.
The arrest and ongoing investigation shed light on the challenges facing the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, with Umar-Farouq’s tenure being scrutinized for alleged financial improprieties.
This development also aligns with broader concerns about corruption in government initiatives, as exemplified by the misappropriation of N2.67 billion intended for the school feeding program during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged transparency and accountability, threatening legal action if details of suspects are not disclosed promptly.
