BREAKING; EFCC declares former minister wanted
BREAKING; EFCC declares former minister wanted
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, calling on members of the public to assist with information on her whereabouts.
“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact EFCC offices through the telephone numbers provided in the notice, the commission stated.
The notice further read: “Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja.”
Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently investigating the ministry she headed over an alleged N37 billion fraud linked to social intervention programmes.
On April 16, 2026, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also granted an arrest warrant against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The court order followed an application by the EFCC after the defendants allegedly failed to honour scheduled court proceedings.
Umar Farouq, Alkali and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on alleged breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the commission, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
The EFCC alleged that part of the money, which was meant to be refunded to the ministry following payments made under a social intervention programme, was diverted for personal use.
