By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
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 linked to a multi-billion naira fraud investigation.
In a notice published by the anti-graft agency on Friday, the EFCC called on members of the public with useful information regarding the former minister’s whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.
The commission said Farouq, 52, an indigene of Zamfara State, was last known to reside at “EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.”
Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and supervised several federal social intervention programmes, including the controversial cash transfer and school feeding schemes.
Her declaration as wanted marks a major escalation in the EFCC’s probe into alleged financial misconduct within the ministry she once headed. Investigators are reportedly examining an alleged N37 billion fraud tied to the ministry’s operations.
The development follows an arrest warrant earlier issued by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo on April 16, 2026.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie had also granted an order for the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a former permanent secretary in the ministry, after both defendants allegedly failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and alleged misappropriation of public funds.
According to court filings by the EFCC, the defendants allegedly diverted about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant to be returned to the ministry under a federal social intervention programme.
Part of the EFCC’s statement read: “Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should contact the commission.”
The anti-corruption agency further alleged that funds earmarked for vulnerable Nigerians under government intervention initiatives were unlawfully converted for personal use.
The case is expected to generate significant political and legal attention given Farouq’s role in one of the Buhari administration’s flagship welfare ministries, which had repeatedly faced scrutiny over transparency and accountability.
Analysts say the latest action by the EFCC could intensify public debate over corruption allegations involving former top government officials and may increase pressure on anti-graft agencies to secure high-profile convictions.
Source: TheCable
