January 04, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked reports that a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, shunned its invitation.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told newsmen that the former minister had sent a letter explaining her inability to honour its invitation due to health challenges.
“It is true that she did not appear, but she sent a letter requesting additional time, citing health issues. She did not decline the EFCC’s invitation; she provided reasons for her absence. Furthermore, her lawyer visited the Commission to explain why she couldn’t attend,” he said.
Oyewale noted that the Commission had considered her plea, expecting her to comply with the invitation at the earliest opportunity.
He clarified that her arrest might not be necessary as she had fulfilled the necessary procedures through her legal representative.
“The Commission’s stance is that she should present herself without any further delay,” he added.
The spokesman also revealed that Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), who was detained on Tuesday, has been released. Shehu has been instructed to report to the EFCC for questioning throughout the investigation.
“She was responsible for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure and has been questioned about certain funds that were disbursed from the ministry’s accounts,” he said.
