The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering on abuse of office and the alleged diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its official website, the anti-graft agency called on members of the public to assist with information that could lead to her arrest.
The EFCC specifically urged anyone with useful details about her whereabouts to reach out to its offices using the contact number provided on the published notice.
The Commission also provided identifying details, stating: “Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.
Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, where she supervised humanitarian response programmes and social intervention initiatives.
Meanwhile, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Farouq following her alleged failure to appear before the court for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also granted an arrest warrant against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, after both defendants were absent from court despite being scheduled for arraignment.
The order followed an application by the EFCC, which informed the court that the defendants had repeatedly failed to present themselves for trial proceedings.
Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency, bordering on breach of trust, abuse of office, and alleged financial misconduct.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million, funds which were reportedly meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme.
The commission further alleged that part of the money, instead of being returned to government coffers, was diverted and converted for personal use.
