37 billion fraud: Umar-Farouq, Buhari’s Minister, speaks out over Okwete’s detention

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

Sadiya Umar-Farouq, a former minister of social development, disaster management, and humanitarian affairs, has denied ever having met James Okwete, a contractor.

According to a reliable source, Okwete was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly using N37 billion in money laundering.

In a reply uploaded on X on Monday, Umar-Farouk insisted that she served the country with all due diligence.

The former minister also stated unequivocally that she was prepared to defend her acts if necessary.

“Several publications have connected me to an alleged probe into the actions of a James Okwete, who is entirely unknown to me, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“James Okwete neither worked for nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious.

“While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress for the malicious attack on my person.

“I remain proud to have served my country as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”