EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development, and Disaster Management, wanted for alleged fraud. The allegations involve the misappropriation of N37 billion during her tenure from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo on April 16, 2026, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi after Farouq and her permanent secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment. The EFCC's application for the warrant followed the defendants' absence in court, where they face 21 counts of charges, including breach of trust and abuse of office.

The commission alleges that Farouq misappropriated N1.3 million and N746.6 million, which were part of funds meant for the Ministry's social intervention programs.