In a significant breakthrough, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully reclaimed over N30 billion, part of the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly siphoned by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, with an additional N500 million discovered in the Betta Edu scam
The scandal unfolded when N37,170,855,753.44 was illicitly moved from government funds to 38 bank accounts across five commercial banks, linked to contractor James Okwete. The recovery process saw a lien placed on Umar-Farouq and Okwete’s bank accounts, leading to the retrieval of N30 billion.
As the former minister and the contractor continue to face intense interrogation, another facet of the investigation exposes over N500 million associated with the fraudulent activities of suspended Humanitarian minister Betta Edu.
Simultaneously, Edu faces questioning regarding an alleged N17 billion fraud, while Halima Shehu, the suspended Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), is also being probed over an alleged N44 billion fraud.
An EFCC insider disclosed, “The commission has effectively recovered over N30 billion from the laundered N37.1 billion linked to former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq.
We managed to seize the funds by imposing liens on the bank accounts of Umar-Farouq and Okwete, who remains a central figure in the ongoing investigation. Both the minister and the contractor are actively being questioned by our investigators.”
A senior EFCC investigator emphasized the relentless pursuit of justice, stating, “We have uncovered an additional N17 billion in money laundering within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
In connection with the alleged fraud involving suspended minister Betta Edu, we have successfully recovered over N500 million. Edu is currently cooperating with our investigators, providing insights into the fraudulent activities.”
Meanwhile, NSIP coordinator Halima Shehu is undergoing thorough scrutiny regarding the N44 billion fraud linked to her role at the NSIPA, as EFCC investigators leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
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