The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged involvement in a ₦2.4 billion fraud case linked to public funds.
What happened
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued the arrest order on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of funds.
The third defendant in the case, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present in court when the proceedings took place.
EFCC’s argument in court
EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs told the court that the first and second defendants had repeatedly failed to appear in court despite being served.
“They were served, my lord, but failed to appear. Only the third defendant reported when his surety was contacted,” he said.
Jacobs also informed the court that Farouq had previously been granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment but had not returned her passport or submitted any medical report.
“Since that passport was released, she has not returned it. We do not have any medical report till date,” he added.
Defence plea rejected
Counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim, told the court that her absence was due to ill health and attempted to submit an affidavit in support of the claim.
However, the court declined the application.
The defence also requested a six-week extension to produce the defendants in court, but the prosecution opposed the request, insisting on stricter enforcement.
Court’s ruling
Ruling on the matter, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC’s application and issued a bench warrant for the arrest of both Farouq and Alkali.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and trial.
Allegations against defendants
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of diverting funds linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, including money meant for refunds from contractors.
One of the counts alleges that excess payments meant for beneficiary validation were allegedly converted for personal use.
The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of Nigeria’s Penal Code.
Background
Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has remained under investigation over financial activities linked to the ministry’s programmes.