Following a probe into her six-year tenure, the anti-graft agency invited the ex-minister, focusing on the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 through contractor James Okwete. The EFCC disclosed that Sadiya Umar-Farouq had been summoned to appear at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at 10:00 am.

Officials stated that other individuals who worked with her have also been invited on different days to shed light on the ministry’s affairs during the past six years.

Simultaneously, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate suspension of Halima Shehu, the CEO and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). Akindele Egbuwalo, the national N-Power program manager, has been appointed in an acting capacity pending an investigation into the agency’s activities.

The NSIPA, overseeing programs like N-Power and Conditional Cash Transfer, has faced scrutiny for efficiency and effectiveness. While the reasons for Halima Shehu’s suspension remain undisclosed, an EFCC official indicated that she also faces inquiries.

Former Minister Sadiya, addressing the allegations last week Monday, asserted her non-involvement in fraudulent activities on her X handle.

She expressed readiness to defend her actions during her tenure, emphasizing the spurious nature of the reported associations. Efforts to reach her for comments on the scheduled EFCC appearance were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

She had said, “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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 a 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”, she had stressed.