Sadiya Umar Farouq Hospitalized, Absent from Court Trial

Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, was absent from court on Monday as she is reportedly receiving medical treatment in Egypt. Her legal team informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court that she is currently hospitalized and unable to attend her trial alongside former Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali, who is also facing charges related to a multi-million naira fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi, was informed by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacob that a bench warrant had been issued against Farouq in April due to her non-appearance. Jacob urged the court to sustain the warrant, while Farouq's lawyer, Oladipo Okpesheyi, stated that she would be able to appear within a month.

The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the delay and warned of further action if Farouq fails to appear at the next court session. The case has been adjourned until June 8, 2026.