EFCC Declares Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its official website on Saturday, the anti-graft agency appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to her arrest, directing such information to any of its offices nationwide through designated contact numbers.
The EFCC stated that Umar Farouq, 52, hails from Zamfara State and listed her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
She is currently under investigation in connection with alleged financial misconduct involving about ₦37 billion linked to programmes under the ministry during her tenure.
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The development follows a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court order issued on April 16, 2026, authorising her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, had earlier granted an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq as well as Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, following an ex parte application by the EFCC.
The defendants are facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The commission alleged that they were involved in the misappropriation of approximately $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million earmarked for government social intervention programmes.
Also listed in the case is Sani Mohammed, who is standing trial alongside the former minister and Alkali.
The EFCC said the declaration is part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in the management of public resources and to enforce compliance with judicial processes.
By PRNigeria
