EFCC probes Buhari’s top ministers over N187 billion fraud, makes fresh arrest

In a significant move, a contractor James Okwete has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Okwete was arrested by the anti-graft agency in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged N37 billion laundering scandal involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

A top EFCC official confirmed the development to The Punch on Sunday, December 24.

According to the source, the contractor had made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouk and the former director-general of the ministry.

N187 billion fraud: Buhari's 4 ministers indicted

Recall that the EFCC reportedly uncovered over N37 billion allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration under Umar-Farouk.

Investigations revealed that the funds, transferred from the federal government's coffers, were sent to 38 different bank accounts connected to contractor James Okwete.

Okwete allegedly engaged in suspicious transactions, including transferring N6.7 billion to Bureau De Change Operators and withdrawing N540 million in cash, among others.

The development coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under 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 revealed.