Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Scandal: EFCC Arrests Contractor in N37 Billion Probe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended contractor James Okwete in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of N37 billion by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
A senior EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Okwete has provided valuable information implicating Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry.
Simultaneously, Excel Magazine International gathered that three other ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari are under investigation for an estimated N150 billion in graft, according to a credible source within the EFCC.
The probe may lead to the arrest of Umar-Farouk and former directors-general following details of financial misappropriation provided by the detained contractor.
Efforts to obtain comments from the ex-minister and her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, were unsuccessful, reported The PUNCH.
Investigations indicate that N37.1 billion was transferred from the Federal Government to 38 bank accounts linked to Okwete. He is currently cooperating with EFCC investigators.
Okwete, detained at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, was arrested four days ago and is providing details that implicate Umar-Farouk and directors-general in the financial fraud.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs oversees eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons.
Umar-Farouk, appointed in July 2019, served as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
Documents reveal Okwete’s transfers to Bureau De Change Operators, cash withdrawals, luxury car purchases, and acquisitions of properties in Abuja and Enugu.
A total of 53 companies are linked to Okwete, securing Federal Government contracts worth N27.4 billion. He is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the matter.
In 2020, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission uncovered N2.67 billion meant for the ministry’s school feeding program in private bank accounts. Despite requests from Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to disclose names, the former minister failed to comply.
SERAP has called for the immediate publication of suspects’ details or faces legal action, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
