Babatunji Wusu –
Sadiya Umar-Farouq, a former minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management, and social development, requested a three-week delay in her questioning, but the request was denied by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The minister requested a three-week extension of the deadline from the anti-graft agency through her attorney, citing health difficulties.
But according to the EFCC, Umar-Farouq needs to show up for questioning before its staff at its Abuja headquarters within three days.
A source told The PUNCH: “In her letter, she asked the EFCC to give her three weeks to attend to her health before honouring the commission’s investigation. The letter was delivered by her counsel on Wednesday.
“But the EFCC said it cannot delay the investigation for three weeks. It has given the ex-minister three days to appear or risk being declared wanted.
“Olukoyede has put a new system in place such that you can appear before EFCC detectives and sleep in your home the same day. There is no need to panic at all.
“We are expecting her; our team is on standby. Even if she requires medical help, we will avail her of our first-class facility.”
Remember that Umar-Farouq was invited due to allegations that, through a contractor named James Okwete, she had laundered N37, 170,855,753.44 in her ministry throughout her term.
The anti-graft panel insisted that the former minister appear for questioning even though she denied any connection to the contractor in question.
The former minister formally informed Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, in writing that she was unwell.
“We got a letter from the ex-minister that she could not honour our invitation due to some health challenges,” EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated.
“Since her lawyer brought the letter, the EFCC has also responded accordingly.”
The EFCC letter to the ex-minister reads: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10 am.
“This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
During a television interview, Oyewale said the agency had directed her to honour the invitation without further delay.
He said: “It is true that she didn’t show up, but she sent a letter pleading for more time, explaining that she had some health challenges.
“She didn’t shun EFCC’s invitation. She actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up.
“Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency on why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation.”
