The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to intensify its investigation into alleged financial misconduct as it prepares to question the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, over an alleged N37.1 billion fraud linked to the Npower program.
A top source within the EFCC confirmed this development to Channels Television during a recent telephone interview on Wednesday.
Umar-Farouk, who served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to May 29, 2023, is at the center of a probe into the suspected laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure, allegedly orchestrated through a contractor named James Okwete.
Last week, the former minister was formally invited by the anti-graft agency as part of an ongoing investigation into her activities during her tenure.
The sum in question, N37.1 billion, allegedly passed through illicit channels during her watch, prompting the EFCC to delve into the matter.
Despite the invitation, Umar-Farouk has yet to make an appearance at the EFCC headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the former minister was scheduled to appear at 10:00 am but failed to show up.
The EFCC source revealed that other officials who worked alongside Umar-Farouk have also been summoned to provide insights into the functioning of the ministry during the last four years.
The planned interrogation follows the immediate suspension of Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), by President Bola Tinubu.
This move, it appears, is part of a broader effort to address concerns and initiate an investigation into the activities of the embattled former head of the agency.
The National Social Investment Programme Agency, responsible for managing critical initiatives like N-Power and Conditional Cash Transfer, has been under scrutiny recently.
President Tinubu appointed Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-Power program Manager, in an acting capacity pending the outcome of the investigation.
While the exact reasons for Shehu’s suspension remain unclear, it has been suggested that the former NSIPA CEO is also expected to respond to questions regarding her tenure.
As the EFCC intensifies its scrutiny into alleged financial irregularities, this development marks a critical juncture in ensuring transparency and accountability within government agencies responsible for social welfare programs.
