Court Upholds Arrest Warrant for Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq

On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi, dismissed an application filed by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Farouq seeking to vacate a bench warrant for her arrest. The court found that Farouq did not provide a valid reason for her absence in court, which is required by law.

The ruling stated that the court is empowered to issue a bench warrant when a defendant fails to appear without a valid reason. Farouq is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Moham for alleged criminal conspiracy and abuse of office involving public funds totaling 1.3 million and N746.7 million.

The judge described Farouq's explanation for her absence as unconvincing, noting that her medical conditions did not justify her failure to appear. The case has been adjourned until July 2, 2026, for arraignment.