The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, did not disregard its invitation, contrary to media reports. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Umar-Farouq sent a letter citing health challenges as the reason for her absence and sought additional time to respond.
Oyewale emphasized that the former minister did not ignore the invitation; instead, she provided a valid explanation for her non-appearance. He stated, “Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency on why she couldn’t come or honor the invitation.” The EFCC has taken her health-related plea into consideration and anticipates her cooperation without further delay.
Regarding the reported misappropriation of N37.1 billion by the ministry, Oyewale clarified that the figure might not be accurate, as the investigation is ongoing. He stated, “We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking, and it may be more than what is being brandished now.”
Additionally, the EFCC spokesperson revealed that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, who was arrested on Tuesday, has been released. Shehu has been instructed to appear at the EFCC office for questioning throughout the investigation.
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