One of the good thing about Tinubu regime is that a Hausa/Fulani is not head of EFCC (may be first time in the history of Nigeria), otherwise Buhari and his friends would hide 100% of all the loots. At least they should return 10%.
https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01205927/EFCC-e1698868766206.png The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a contractor, James Okwete, in connection with the ongoing probe into the N37bn allegedly laundered by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
A top EFCC official, who confided in our correspondent on Sunday, said 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,’’ a credible source in the EFCC confided in our correspondent on Sunday.
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.
The ex-minister could not be reached for comments on Sunday. Also, when our correspondent contacted her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, she did not pick her phone calls neither did she respond to an SMS sent to her.
Investigation revealed that the N37.1bn was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with Okwete.
Impeccable sources confirmed to The PUNCH on Sunday that 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.”
Alleged N37bn fraud
Another source noted, “The contractor involved in the N37.bn fraud has been arrested and would spend Christmas in our custody. He has given some names, and the former humanitarian affairs minister and directors-general in the ministry were linked to the fraud.”
The PUNCH reports that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs currently serves as the parent ministry to eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons, among others.
Umar-Farouq was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
She was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019 as the youngest cabinet member.
Her work with Buhari dates back to his days as the leader and presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change when she was the national treasurer of the party and later the national treasurer of the All Progressives Congress.
Documents obtained by The PUNCH revealed that following receipt of the funds, Okwete transferred N6,746,034,000 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrew N540 million in cash, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600 and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.
So far, 53 companies had been traced to Okwete, who was also said to have used 47 of the firms to secure Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.
He is also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks of which 134 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.
Checks by our correspondent with the Corporate Affairs Commission revealed that Okwete is a director in only 11 of the 53 companies, while the remaining 42 companies’ accounts were linked to his Bank Verification Number as a signatory to the accounts.
The document revealed, “Between 2018 and 2023, the subject (Okwete) received the sum of N37,170,855,753.44 from the coffers of the Federal Government linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
“The money was sent to 38 bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks. The suspect transferred N6,746,034,000 to Bureau De Change Operators, N540mn withdrawn in cash, N288,348,600 used to purchase cars and used N2,195,115,000 to purchase choice properties within Abuja and Enugu State.
“Fifty-three companies were traced to the suspect. He used 47 of the companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.
‘’Okwete is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 of the 143 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.”
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale declined comments.
erad: If your post is not an advert and it's not contravening any nairaland rules, nobody will ban you.
Okay, thanks for replying, I have been trying to contact you for ages.... Please, what about promoting a event or compition (not a paid advertisement just a legit opportunity for Visual Artist)?
I haven't make my ART goals for next year. Would later review my art goal for this year. Inspired by this video; This December, I must free 50GB space from my PC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjFFf90qq1A The video discusses the importance of using the Christmas period to establish goals and habits for the upcoming year. She emphasizes the need to review progress and make necessary changes to strategies. Maintaining an empty inbox and decluttering digitally are highlighted as important steps (the desktop and organizing digital files as part of the decluttering process).
The video suggests focusing on habits that will lead to desired results and avoiding repeating past mistakes.
edunaragold: is like I will wait till I see a very matured lady to marry o,so she too won't wait ,she be like today I must enter that marriage,while me I will be laughing
There action is a little bit extreme, however young girls would not agree to this because it doesn't look good for their Instagram and WhatsApp status.
Not traditional business (and yes, it is making money but in 2024, I intend on 10x it, God Willing). I want to do it with dollars (LEGALLY). $1 is 1000 naira so only a few thousands needed.
In 2023, I had to confront reality and let go of my dreams. It was hard to dream while trekking 20 kilometers daily (worn-out shoes, and experiencing leg pain from walking). Saving money was difficult due to inflation, which was reducing the value of my savings.
However, this December, I am noticing signs that things might improve, and I'm believing in dreams again. I feel I have adapted, and there is a glimmer of hope.
As for me, tat Wike Shorts with 2k views, later gained over 100k views (I feel it's kind of luck because I can point out exactly why he did well by my standards).
TONY042: The church is home to all, which is what Pope Francis is trying to do. The church has already made its stand known about marriage being between a man and a woman only.
But everyone is welcome to the church.
The sun shines for every one to see. If God himself doesn't segregate, who are we to !
I hate this Pope but in this matter, he is acting like Jesus. If Jesus was around TODAY, they would be headlines that he eats with stinking-politicians, tax collects, prostitutes and yahoo-boyz. As He said; "it is the sick/sinner who need a Doctor/Savour"
sukkot: isa funtua proxy acquisition of union and keystone bank and emefiele billions stashed globally. these revelations are what ? under gej ? lol
That scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. Buhari used the country like a dirty rag and intended on throwing the nation away once he was done looting (Bubu didn't believe Nigeria would survive this long).