January 18, 2025

N37bn fraud: Buhari’s Minister, Umar-Farouq breaks silence over Okwete’s arrest

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A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has denied knowing a contractor, James Okwete.

Benco News reported that Okwete was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly laundering N37bn.

Umar-Farouk made the rebuttal on Monday in a message posted on X, insisting she served the nation with every sense of responsibility.

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The former Minister also made it clear she was ready to defend her actions whenever called upon to do so.

“There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.

“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious.

“While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.

“I remain proud to have served my country as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”

Vanguard News Search for: Search Home News E-Editions Politics Metro Business Sports Editorial Columns Allure News January 3, 2025 7-year-old boy survives five days in lion-infested Zimbabwe park 7-year-old boy survives five days in lion-infested Zimbabwe park A seven-year-old boy was found alive after being lost for five days in a reserve home to lions and other wild animals in northern Zimbabwe, the wildlife authority said Friday. The boy wandered into the Matusadona National Park next to his village on December 27 and was found five days later and about 50 kilometres (about 30 miles) away, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said. He had survived on wild fruit and water that he found by digging into a river bank, a technique known in Zimbabwe’s drought-prone areas, Farawo said in a statement. I Can’t give up because I have a mother and two brothers — Blind 23-Yr-Old Fabiyi…0:00 / 0:00 “Remarkably, it is estimated that he walked through the harsh terrain of the lion-infested Matusadona National Park for 49 kilometres from his village to the point where he was found,” Farawo said. Rangers, locals and police launched a search for the child immediately after hearing that he was missing but their efforts were hindered by heavy rain. His footprints were spotted on December 30 and the boy, Tinotenda Pundu, was found early the following day, he said. The child was admitted to hospital and was frail but had no visible injuries, said lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi, who is from the area. “It was a miracle that he survived,” she told AFP. “He was clever enough to… sleep on perched rocks so that lions and other wildlife could not get to him,” she said. “Villagers helped with the search, playing drums hoping that he would follow the sound,” the MP said. But he was only found with the help of rangers who were able to go deeper into the wilderness to look for him. The Matusadona National Park, near Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, is home to a range of wild animals including lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo, according to its website. I did not sign $45.21m Flyover deal with China’, Okpebholo replies PDP October 27, 2024 Jimoh Ibrahim urges Govt to issue food vouchers to combat hunger October 27, 2024 5 African countries that retained their colonial names October 26, 2024 How US sent aircraft with medical equipment to evacuate Binance executive Gambaryan from Nigeria – Report October 26, 2024 more top stories How Customs officials are breaching security, threatening staff at Lagos airport — FAAN FAAN, CIAP urge aviation reporters to prioritise accurate coverage Food World food prices drop 2% in 2024 – FAO Man Utd ‘starving for leaders’ ahead of Liverpool clash, says Amorim Man Utd ‘starving for leaders’ ahead of Liverpool clash, says Amorim Disclaimer Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof. About Us Advertise with us Contact Us Privacy Policy Casino Non AAMS Allure Aviation Business Columns Crime Alert Discussion Editorial Education E-Editions Entertainment Environment Features Foreign Health Homes & Property Human Angle Insurance and You Interviews Labour Law & Human Rights Metro Motoring Politics Relationships Special Report Sports Sweet Crude Technology The Arts Cartoons Travel & Tourism Videos Viewpoint Woman’s Own Worship © 2025 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

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