Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has refuted any knowledge or association with contractor James Okwete, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering amounting to N37bn.

In a statement posted on Vistanaij Media on Monday, Umar-Farouq firmly stated that she served the nation with utmost responsibility and had no affiliation with Okwete. She expressed her readiness to defend her actions if called upon to do so.

The former Minister clarified that James Okwete was completely unknown to her and never worked for her or represented her in any capacity. She dismissed the reported linkages and associations to her as baseless.

While avoiding engaging in a media trial, Umar-Farouq revealed that she had sought the advice of her legal team to explore possible options for seeking redress against the malicious attack on her reputation.

She concluded by expressing her pride in serving the country as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and affirmed her willingness to defend her actions, stewardship, and programs during her tenure when the need arises.