Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has vehemently denied any association with James Okwete, a contractor arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N37 billion laundering case.
Reports emerged linking Okwete’s arrest to an ongoing probe involving the humanitarian affairs ministry during Farouq’s tenure.
The arrest coincided with investigations into three ministers who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over an alleged N150 billion graft.
Okwete is allegedly connected to financial transfers, cash withdrawals, luxury purchases, and property acquisitions amounting to substantial sums. Additionally, 53 companies were reportedly linked to him, involving federal government contracts worth N27.4 billion.
In response, Umar Farouq distanced herself from Okwete, emphasizing that he is “completely unknown” to her and denying any professional or representative association with him. She labeled the connections to her as baseless and spurious.
Asserting her commitment to defending her actions during her tenure, Umar Farouq announced her intent to explore legal options against what she termed a malicious attack on her reputation.
Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2019 to 2023.
Her statement, rejecting any association with the contractor, follows reports of investigations and allegations related to the humanitarian affairs ministry.
