The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds. The notice was posted on the EFCC's website on Saturday. It states that Farouq is wanted alongside Bashir Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry during her tenure.
A warrant of arrest was issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court after both failed to appear for their arraignment. The court action followed an ex parte motion filed by EFCC prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN). They face a 21-count charge involving $1,300,000 and N746,574,303.
The funds are alleged to have been diverted from the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office programme, specifically from excess payments meant to be refunded by a company. The EFCC claims the money was intended for validating Rapid Response Register beneficiaries. The charges were filed on December 15, 2025.
Farouq served as minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023. The EFCC has invited the public to share information on her whereabouts through its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja. Contact channels include phone number 08093322644 and email [email protected], or through the nearest police station.
Sadiya Farouq once oversaw social welfare programmes meant for the poor, yet now faces allegations of diverting funds from those same programmes. The $1.3 million and N746.6 million allegedly involved were tied to a safety net meant for vulnerable Nigerians. If proven, the case suggests a breach of trust at the highest level of humanitarian oversight. The public awaits clarity on how the funds were used and who benefited.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
