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Why EFCC Declared Former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency announced the development through a public notice published on its official platform, urging Nigerians with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any EFCC office nationwide or the nearest police station.
According to the EFCC, Farouq is being investigated over alleged financial misconduct linked to the handling of funds during her tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration between 2019 and 2023.
Why EFCC Declared Sadiya Farouq Wanted
The EFCC’s action followed her failure to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for arraignment in a case involving alleged diversion and mismanagement of $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million in public funds.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court had earlier issued a warrant for her arrest after she and a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Alkali, failed to appear in court for trial proceedings.
The EFCC alleged that the funds were tied to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office programme, specifically money meant for validating beneficiaries under the Rapid Response Register initiative.
According to court filings, the anti-corruption agency accused the former minister and the ex-permanent secretary of unlawfully converting $1.3 million that was reportedly refunded by a company after excess payments were discovered in the social intervention programme.
The commission also accused the defendants of fraudulent contract awards, criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and diversion of government funds.
EFCC’s Charges Against Former Minister
The EFCC filed a 21-count charge against Farouq and Bashir Alkali on December 15, 2025.
The anti-graft agency claimed that despite the filing of charges and several legal processes, the defendants failed to make themselves available for arraignment, prompting the commission to seek legal approval for their arrest.
During proceedings, EFCC prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the absence of the defendants stalled the commencement of trial.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently granted the application for arrest, leading to the decision by the EFCC to formally declare the former minister wanted.
Background of the Investigation
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during the Buhari administration and supervised several federal social investment and humanitarian programmes.
Her ministry previously came under public scrutiny over the management of intervention funds and contracts linked to poverty alleviation and social welfare programmes across Nigeria.
The latest development marks one of the highest-profile corruption cases involving a former cabinet member from the Buhari administration.
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