Former Minister Released by EFCC, to Return for Further Questioning

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, after hours of questioning.

The ex-minister is scheduled to return to the EFCC on Tuesday for further clarifications on various issues that the commission has flagged during its preliminary investigations.

The ongoing investigation by the EFCC revolves around the staggering sum of N37.1 billion allegedly laundered by officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during Umar-Farouq’s tenure as the minister.

The former minister arrived at the EFCC headquarters at 10.18 am on Monday, January 8, 2024, to offer clarifications on the matter.

The former minister’s release and subsequent return for further questioning is part of the EFCC’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The commission has also recently grilled the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, who was detained and later released on bail.