EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted for Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development, wanted due to allegations of fraud amounting to N37 billion. The notice was published on the EFCC's website on Saturday, calling for anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact their offices nationwide.

Sadiya Farouq, 52, from Zamfara State, served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023. The allegations involve fraud linked to her ministry during her tenure, with a high court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) issuing an arrest warrant on April 16 after she failed to appear for her arraignment.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi approved the arrest warrant for Farouq and Bashir Nura Alkali, the permanent secretary of her ministry, along with Sani Moham, who face 21 counts of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office. The EFCC alleges that they misappropriated N1.3 million and N746.6 million intended for government programs.