In response to recent media reports suggesting that former Minister of Humanitarian Services, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, ignored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), her legal counsel, Sir Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN), has clarified the situation....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
According to Vanguard, contrary to the erroneous narrative, Okpeseyi stated that his client did not shun the EFCC’s invitation. Instead, he explained that he personally submitted a letter to the EFCC headquarters seeking an extension of time for Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq to appear for an interview.
The extension was requested to allow her to provide clarifications regarding the financial activities of agencies under her ministry’s purview.
Okpeseyi highlighted that he visited the EFCC headquarters on Tuesday, 2nd January, to facilitate this process. While formal confirmation from the EFCC is pending, the Commission demonstrated understanding, resulting in the mutual decision to postpone the originally scheduled interview to a later date.
The legal representative emphasized that the delay was not due to allegations of misappropriation of funds, as suggested by some media outlets. Instead, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq has been invited to provide explanations related to specific expenditures by agencies under her ministry during her tenure.
Taking the opportunity to address misconceptions, Okpeseyi rebuffed claims that his client was being probed for a N37.1 billion fraud, asserting that the former minister was invited solely to offer clarifications.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Sadiya, despite not appearing in person, had sent a letter explaining her health challenges and her lawyer’s visit to communicate these reasons.
The EFCC, acknowledging her plea, expects Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq to honor the invitation once her health situation permits, reinforcing the notion that she did not intentionally shun the agency’s summons…CONTINUE READING>>
