EFCC explains Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s absence for questioning

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the absence of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq at a scheduled questioning with the agency.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale revealed that Umar-Farouq requested additional time because of health challenges.

“It is true that she did not appear, but she sent a letter requesting additional time, citing health issues.

“She did not decline the EFCC’s invitation; she provided reasons for her absence. Furthermore, her lawyer visited the commission to explain why she couldn’t attend,” the EFCC spokesman said.

Oyewale noted that the commission had taken her plea into consideration, expecting her to comply with the invitation at the earliest opportunity.

READ ALSO: Sadiya Umar-Farouq summoned by EFCC for questioning amid money laundering probe

He clarified that her arrest might not be necessary as she had fulfilled the necessary procedures through her legal representative.

He said, “The commission’s stance is that she should present herself without any further delay.”

Regarding the alleged misappropriation of N37.1 billion linked to the ministry, Oyewale refrained from confirming the exact amount, mentioning that investigations were ongoing and the total amount could exceed the speculated figure.

He said, “We are unable to confirm the amount at this point because our investigation is ongoing. We are still tracking various transactions, and the total might surpass the currently circulated figure.”

The spokesman also revealed that Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), who was detained on Tuesday, has been released.

Shehu has been instructed to report to the EFCC for questioning throughout the investigation.

“She was responsible for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure and has been questioned about certain funds that were disbursed from the ministry’s accounts,” he added.

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