EFCC Declares Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted, accusing her of abusing her office and siphoning public funds.

The anti-graft agency announced the move in a notice published on its official platform on Friday.

The commission asked members of the public who have information about her location to report to any EFCC office using the contact details provided in the notice.

According to the EFCC, the former minister is 52 years old and comes from Zamfara State. The agency also listed her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The development followed an earlier ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo on April 16, 2026. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued an arrest warrant against the former minister after she and another defendant failed to appear in court for arraignment.

The court also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry. 

Both men, alongside Sani Mohammed, are standing trial over a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC.

The charges are connected to alleged breach of trust and abuse of office involving public funds linked to a social intervention programme.

The EFCC claimed that about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million were misappropriated. The commission said part of the money was supposed to be returned to the ministry after payments made under the programme, but was allegedly diverted for personal use.