Former Minister's Health Concerns Prompt Three-Day Ultimatum from EFCC"

 "Former Minister's Health Concerns Prompt Three-Day Ultimatum from EFCC"

The minister, citing health issues, has reached out to the anti-graft agency through her legal representative, seeking a three-week extension for the deadline

However, the EFCC has insisted that Umar-Farouq must present herself at its Abuja headquarters for questioning within three days.

A source disclosed to The PUNCH: “She requested a three-week extension in her letter to the EFCC, citing health reasons for the delay.

The letter, conveyed by her counsel on Wednesday, was met with the EFCC’s response, rejecting the three-week timeframe. Instead, the agency has given the ex-minister a three-day ultimatum to appear or face being declared wanted.”

The source emphasized that the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s leadership, has streamlined its procedures, enabling individuals to appear before investigators and return home on the same day.

The agency assured that if Umar-Farouq requires medical assistance, their first-class facilities will be made available.

It is pertinent to recall that the former minister was invited for questioning regarding the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 in her ministry during her tenure, linked to contractor James Okwete.

Despite her denial of any association with the implicated contractor, the EFCC has persisted in demanding her appearance for interrogation.

In her formal communication to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, the ex-minister cited health challenges as the reason for her inability to honor the invitation.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated, “We received a letter from the ex-minister explaining her inability to attend due to health challenges. In response, the EFCC has acted accordingly.”

The EFCC’s letter to the ex-minister outlined the investigation into money laundering in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during her tenure.

The agency requested her presence for an interview on January 3, 2024, at 10 am, pursuant to relevant legal provisions.

In a televised interview, Oyewale affirmed that the agency had directed her to comply with the invitation promptly.

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