Rights Group Urge EFCC To Probe N31 Billion Fraud Allegations Against Umar Farouq

By Akinwale Kasali

As investigation over the alleged N31 Billion Fraud at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development intensifies,  following the a  Civil Society Organisation has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe the immediate past  Minister in the Ministry, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), urged the anti graft agency,  not to rest on its oars in unraveling the truth.

The anti-corruption group said it is necessary for the FG and the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of Umar Farouq, inclding her failure to Honour the EFCC on health grounds.

It would be recalled that the anti-graft agency had previously summoned Umar Farouq for questioning as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged N37.1 billion fraud during her tenure in office, but her Lawyer wrote the agency citing health issues as reason for her absence.

In a statement issued and signed by Olanrewaju Suraju, the Chairman of HEDA, the group emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the N31 billion fraud and misappropriation. It stressed that anyone found guilty must be held accountable.

Referring to the President’s earlier call for a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct within the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, HEDA asserted the importance of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.

The statement highlighted the unfortunate disregard for transparency in the National Social Investment Program, with the open operational policy designed for the agency by the former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Maryam Uwais, was jettisoned.

Suraju further revealed that HEDA had previously raised concerns about corruption under Sadiya Umar-Farouk, but the authorities failed to address the issue. He also points out HEDA’s past exposure of corrupt activities at the community level within the agency, emphasizing the lack of response to the whistleblowing calls.

“Similarly, we also requested for the breakdown of N535.8 million spent to feed schoolchildren during Covid-19 lockdown under the Freedom of Information Act, but the then Minister, SadiyaUmar-Farouq refused to respond to the information sought, until the court was approached to sought order of mandamus compelling the minister to immediately release and made available to it all information and documents requested.”

“In addition, an independent investigation and available information revealed that the so-called modified and implemented school feeding programme during the lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic was a scam, cover-up and well-articulated fiction to embezzle public funds.”

HEDA called on the current administration led by President Tinubu not only to investigate and suspend corrupt appointees and staff but also to review the activities of the agency. This, HEDA believes, is essential for realizing the administration’s Renew Hope Agenda and ensuring the agency operates with integrity and transparency.