By Sabiu Abdullahi
Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, cast a shadow of suspicion over her tenure today by failing to appear for an interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Umar-Farouq was summoned to answer questions regarding alleged N37.1 billion money laundering scheme involving a contractor, James Okwete, during her tenure in office.
Her absence left a trail of frustration and unanswered questions. For over eight hours, EFCC interrogators waited in vain for the ex-minister’s arrival.
No official explanation was provided by Umar-Farouq or her representatives, leaving speculation to fill the void. By dusk, with no sign of the former minister, the interrogation team had to call it a day, their hopes of clarity for now dashed.
“We just closed from work now because she didn’t show up today, and it’s 6pm already,” a source familiar with the investigation confided. “It’s certain that she’s never going to show up today.”
Umar-Farouq’s no-show throws a wrench into the ongoing investigation, raising concerns about her possible involvement in the alleged financial malfeasance.
The N37.1 billion figure casts a dark shadow over her administration, and her unexplained absence only amplifies public scrutiny.
Whether this marks a deliberate strategy of evasion or a simple logistical delay remains to be seen.
Regardless, the ex-minister’s silence fuels the flames of suspicion, leaving Nigerians demanding answers and accountability for the missing billions.
The EFCC has a duty to press forward with its investigation, undeterred by Umar-Farouq’s absence. The Nigerian people deserve transparency and justice, and the alleged misappropriation of such a vast sum of public funds cannot be swept under the rug.
The saga of Sadiya Umar-Farouq and the N37.1 billion scandal is far from over. Nigerians hold their breath, waiting to see if the ex-minister will break her silence and cooperate with the investigation, or if her absence will remain a stain on her legacy and a symbol of unpunished corruption.
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