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 diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its official platform on Friday, the anti-graft agency called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office or use the contact details provided.
The commission stated that the former minister, aged 52 and from Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. She served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development follows an earlier order by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, where Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued a warrant for her arrest on April 16, 2026, after she and another defendant allegedly failed to appear for arraignment.
The court also authorised the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry. Both officials, alongside Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC.
According to the commission, the charges involve alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office in connection with funds tied to a social intervention programme. The EFCC alleged that about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million were misappropriated, adding that part of the funds meant to be returned to the ministry after programme payments was allegedly diverted for personal use.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said efforts are ongoing to ensure the suspects are brought before the court to answer to the charges.
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