EFCC Declares Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted for N37bn Fraud

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 amounting to N37 billion. The notice was published on the EFCC's website on Saturday, urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact their offices nationwide.

Sadiya Umar Farouq, 52, hails from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008 Okpo River off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. She served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.

The EFCC is investigating allegations of fraud linked to her ministry during her tenure, with a warrant for her arrest issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on April 16, 2026. She failed to appear before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi, who approved the arrest of Farouq and Bashir Nura Alkali, the Permanent Secretary of her ministry, along with Sani Moha, who face 21 counts of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.