The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed an alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the tenure of former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk. The funds were reportedly transferred to various bank accounts linked to a contractor, James Okwete.
According to ongoing investigations, Okwete is said to have used these funds for personal expenses, including withdrawing cash, purchasing luxury cars, and acquiring properties in Abuja and Enugu. The contractor allegedly controlled 53 companies and secured Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.
Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, has been implicated in the scandal. She served as a minister in President Buhari’s cabinet from July 2019 and was associated with the ministry overseeing several agencies.
The EFCC document reveals that the funds were transferred between 2018 and 2023, originating from the Federal Government’s coffers. Okwete is linked to multiple bank accounts across 12 commercial banks and has been accused of abusing government contracts for personal gain.
Despite previous controversies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s discovery of N2.67 billion in private bank accounts meant for the ministry’s school feeding program, this recent revelation further intensifies concerns about corruption within government agencies.
As calls for transparency and accountability grow, the EFCC continues its investigations into the alleged financial misconduct, involving key figures in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The consequences of these findings may extend to legal actions against those implicated in the scandal.
