Court issues arrest warrant as anti-graft agency intensifies probe into alleged diversion of public funds during Buhari-era tenure

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and large-scale diversion of public funds.

In a notice published on Saturday, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with credible information on her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office nationwide using the contact details provided.

Umar Farouq, 52, a native of Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

She served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, a period now under scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct within the ministry.

The EFCC is investigating the alleged misappropriation of about N37 billion linked to programmes executed during her tenure.

Her declaration as wanted follows a warrant of arrest issued on April 16, 2026, by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo, after she failed to appear for arraignment.

Presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also granted arrest orders against Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, alongside another defendant, Sani Mohammed.

The trio is facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds.

According to the commission, the defendants are accused of diverting approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government intervention programmes.