BREAKING: EFCC Declares Former 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.
In a notice published by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC called on members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts to report to any of its offices nationwide through the contact details provided in the notice.
The commission identified the former minister, a native of Zamfara State, as having her last known address at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Sadiya Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently investigating alleged financial irregularities involving N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.
Earlier, on April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The duo, alongside Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the commission, the defendants allegedly diverted about 1.3 million dollars and N746.6 million, part of funds reportedly meant to be refunded to the ministry under a social intervention programme.
