The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its website, the anti-graft agency appealed to the public for information on her whereabouts, urging anyone with relevant details to contact any EFCC office via the numbers provided.
“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja,” the statement read.
Farouq served as minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC is investigating her ministry over an alleged N37 billion fraud.
On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against her. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also granted a warrant for the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The order followed an EFCC application after the defendants failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment.
Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed face a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office. The EFCC alleges they misappropriated approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
Investigators say part of the funds—earmarked for refunds to the ministry following payments made under a social intervention programme—was allegedly diverted for personal use.
