Buhari’s Ex-Minister, Umar-Farouk Faces Arrest As Humanitarian Ministry Contractor Blows Whistle

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a contractor, James Okwete, who is connected to the ongoing probe into the N37bn allegedly laundered by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

An EFCC official told Punch on Sunday that the contractor had made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry.

The development coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, for graft estimated at N150bn.

“It is not only Umar-Farouk we are investigating. Three other former ministers are also under probe. They were allegedly involved in graft to the tune of N150bn,’’ the source said.

Sources said Umar-Farouk and some former agencies’ directors-general under the ministry might be arrested by the anti-graft commission following the details of the financial misappropriation so far revealed to investigators by the contractor.

Sources also confirmed that Okwete, who is being held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, has been cooperating with investigators.

According to the EFCC officials, the contractor was arrested four days ago.

A source said, “The contractor, Mr Okwete, who was used in laundering the money had been arrested by the commission. He is currently detained in our custody and has been giving investigators more details that have indicted the former Minister, Sadiya and some DGs under the ministry, and they may be brought in anytime soon too.”