The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted over allegations of fraud involving over N746.6 million and $1.3 million. A 52-year-old native of Zamfara State, Farouq's last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC issued the public notice on its website, calling on the public to provide information on her whereabouts. She served as minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo issued an arrest warrant for Farouq and Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, after both failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment. A third suspect, Sani Mohammed, is also named in the case. The trio faces 21 counts of breach of trust and abuse of office. The EFCC alleges that the accused diverted funds meant to be returned to the ministry after disbursements under a social intervention programme. The total amount under investigation in the ministry is approximately N37 billion.
The court has granted the EFCC permission to proceed with the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. The agency is currently working to locate and apprehend Farouq and the others. Once in custody, they will be arraigned on the 21-count charge. The EFCC has not provided a timeline for their apprehension.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, once in charge of humanitarian resources meant for Nigeria's poorest, is now accused of diverting millions meant to be returned to the treasury. Her failure to appear in court alongside a senior civil servant suggests a possible coordinated effort to evade accountability. If convicted, the case would mark a rare prosecution of a former cabinet member over social programme funds. The outcome will test the EFCC's ability to hold high-level officials to account without political interference.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
