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Tag: Sadiya Umar Farouq

  • EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted Over Alleged Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

    The anti-graft agency announced the development in a notice published on its official website on Saturday.

    EFCC Releases Details

    According to the notice, Farouq, aged 52, is from Zamfara State and her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

    The EFCC called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices nationwide.

    Phone numbers for reporting information leading to her arrest were also included in the notice released by the agency.

    Court Reportedly Issued Arrest Warrant

    Reports indicated that a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had earlier issued an arrest warrant against the former minister on April 16, 2026.

    The warrant was reportedly connected to ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office during her time in government.

    Former Buhari Minister Under Scrutiny

    Sadiya Umar Farouq was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019.

    She was one of the youngest members of Buhari’s cabinet during the administration and oversaw several federal social intervention programmes while in office.

    The EFCC’s latest action is expected to intensify public attention on ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving former government officials.

  • Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq, Permanent Secretary Over Alleged ₦2.4bn Fraud

    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.