The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its website, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with relevant information about her location to reach out to any of its offices through the contact number provided.
āFarouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,ā the wanted notice reads.
Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently probing the ministry she headed over an alleged N37 billion fraud.
Earlier, on April 16, 2026, an Apo division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court issued a warrant for her arrest.
The presiding judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The court granted the application after the defendants failed to appear for their arraignment.
Umar Farouq, Alkali and one Sani Mohammed are being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the commission, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
The EFCC further alleged that part of the money earmarked for refund to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme was diverted for personal use.
(The CABLE)
