The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and diversion of public intervention funds totaling about N37 billion.
In a notice published by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC called on members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide through the official channels provided.
According to the commission, Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently probing alleged financial irregularities linked to the ministry during her tenure, including claims involving the diversion and mismanagement of funds earmarked for social intervention programmes.
On April 16, 2026, an FCT High Court sitting in Apo reportedly issued an arrest warrant against the former minister. The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of a former permanent secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, after both defendants allegedly failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Farouq, Alkali, and another defendant identified as Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The anti-corruption agency alleged that the accused persons misappropriated approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million in public funds. Investigators further claimed that part of the money intended to be refunded to the ministry following payments made under a federal social intervention scheme was unlawfully diverted for personal use.
