Npower: Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Set To Interrogate Former Minister In Charge Of Npower, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk Over Alleged ₦37.1 Billion Fraud

According to Npower, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to interrogate the ex-minister in charge of Npower Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, over an alleged ₦37.1 billion fraud linked to Npower.

An insider within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed this development to Channels Television during a recent telephone interview on Wednesday, January 3rd 2024.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, who served as minister in charge of Npower, under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to May 29, 2023, is at the center of an investigation into the suspected misappropriation of ₦37.1 billion during her tenureship, in conjunction with one contractor Mr. James Okwete.

According to Npower, last week, the ex-minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk was formally invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing probe into her activities during her tenure.

According to Npower, ₦37.1 billion, allegedly passed through illicit channels when she was the Minister in charge of Npower, prompting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to delve into the situation.

Despite the former Minister's invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk the former Minister in charge of Npower, is yet to make an appearance at the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, the former minister in charge of Npower, was scheduled to show up at 10am but did not show up.

According to Npower, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed that other officials who worked alongside Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk the former minister in charge of Npower, have also been invited to provide insights into the functioning of the ministry in charge of Npower, during the last 4 years.

The interrogation follows the immediate suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower, by President Bola Tinubu.

The National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) responsible for managing Npower and other social investment programs, has been under investigation and scrutiny recently.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National program Manager in charge of Npower, as an acting Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower, pending the outcome of the investigation, of alleged ₦17 billion misappropriation of funds by the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower.

While the exact reasons for the suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu remains unclear, it has been suggested that the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, also be summoned for interrogation to respond to questions regarding her tenure.

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensifies its investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds, this development marks a critical juncture in ensuring transparency and accountability within the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower and the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the ministry in charge of Npower.