The Economic and Financial Crime Commission has arrested one James Okwete, a contractor allegedly involved in the N37bn money laundering probe related to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development headed by former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, for graft estimated at N150bn.
A top EFCC official, told the Punch, said the contractor had made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry.
“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,’’ a 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.
Okwete, who is being held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, had 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.”
The former Minister has, however, denied involvement in any corrupt act. She explained that she has never met nor transact business with said James Okwete.
In a post on her verified Facebook page titled: “THE ATTACK ON MY PERSON” the Minister wrote”
“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me. James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious.
“While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.
“I remain proud to have served my country as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”
