The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has declared the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The EFCC in a notice published on its website on Saturday, May 9, 2026, requested anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, 52, hails from Zamfara State and her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023 is being investigated over alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had on April 16, 2026 issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.
The court presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
Sadiya Umar Farouq, Alkali, and Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.
Part of the funds, the EFCC said was meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments under a social intervention programme, but was allegedly diverted for personal use.
