A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has denied any association with a contractor, James Okwete, who was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering N37bn. In a message posted on X, Umar-Farouk clarified that she never knew James Okwete, and that he never worked for or represented her in any capacity. She described the reports linking her to the EFCC’s investigation as baseless and malicious.
Umar-Farouk also stated that she served the nation with a sense of responsibility and is ready to defend her actions whenever called upon to do so. She has contacted her legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the matter.