The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a staggering N37.1 billion allegedly laundered within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the tenure of former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption within Nigeria's public sector.
According to exclusive details obtained by Sunday PUNCH, the laundered funds were transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers to 38 different bank accounts across five legacy commercial banks. These accounts were linked to or connected with a contractor named James Okwete. The investigation revealed that Okwete played a central role in the laundering scheme, directing the flow of funds and utilizing various methods to conceal the illicit activities.
James Okwete allegedly orchestrated the transfer of N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change operators, withdrew N540,000,000.00 in cash, purchased luxury cars worth N288,348,600.00, and acquired luxury properties in Abuja and Enugu State valued at N2,195,115,000.00. His extensive network included 53 companies, with 47 of them used to secure Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86. Furthermore, Okwete was linked to 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks, with 134 of these accounts being corporate accounts associated with different companies.
The scale of this corruption scandal underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within Nigeria's public sector. The alleged involvement of high-ranking officials and the sophisticated methods used to launder funds highlight the systemic nature of corruption. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC in their efforts to combat financial crimes and promote transparency.
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