The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has officially declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged large scale financial misconduct. The announcement, made public through the commission’s official communication channels, represents a significant escalation in a case that has been unfolding over several months and now places the former minister at the centre of one of the most closely watched corruption investigations in the country.
According to the EFCC, the decision followed repeated failure by the former minister to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for her scheduled arraignment. The commission stated that all lawful efforts to ensure her appearance in court had been exhausted, leaving it with no option but to formally declare her a fugitive. The case against her involves allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds during her tenure in office, charges which the EFCC insists are supported by findings from its ongoing investigations.
At the heart of the allegations are claims involving the mismanagement of funds allocated for social intervention programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Investigators allege that approximately 1.3 million dollars and 746.6 million naira earmarked for poverty alleviation and social welfare schemes were improperly handled. These funds were part of government initiatives under the National Social Investment Programme, designed to provide financial assistance, food support, and empowerment opportunities to vulnerable households across Nigeria. The EFCC, however, maintains that preliminary findings suggest that a portion of these funds was either diverted or converted in a manner inconsistent with their intended purpose.
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The commission further alleges that the funds, which were meant to be disbursed or returned through official government channels, were instead channelled through questionable transactions that raise serious concerns about accountability and transparency. Alongside the former minister, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, is also facing prosecution. Both individuals were named in a 21 count charge filed on December 15, 2025, which includes allegations of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and fraudulent contract awards. The EFCC says the charges reflect a pattern of conduct that warrants judicial examination, although the matters remain subject to court proceedings.
The legal process took a decisive turn in April 2026 when the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo issued an arrest warrant for both defendants. The order was given by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie after the accused persons failed to appear for their arraignment despite being duly served with court notices. The court expressed concern over their absence and ruled that enforcement measures were necessary to ensure compliance with judicial procedures. Prior to the issuance of the warrant, the court had also approved substituted service of court documents after efforts to reach the defendants directly proved unsuccessful.
During the proceedings leading up to the warrant, counsel representing Sadiya Umar Farouq informed the court that she was unwell and receiving medical treatment, which was presented as the reason for her absence. The defence argued that her health condition made it impossible for her to attend court at the time scheduled for arraignment. However, the prosecution challenged this explanation, arguing that it lacked sufficient supporting documentation and did not justify her continued absence from court proceedings.
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The EFCC further informed the court that the former minister had previously been granted permission to travel to Saudi Arabia in 2024 for medical reasons but had not returned her international passport after the trip. The prosecution also alleged that she failed to provide adequate medical records to substantiate her claims of ill health upon return. These assertions raised further concerns for the court, which ultimately led to the issuance of the arrest warrant after she again failed to appear in subsequent hearings.
Despite the court order, the defendants reportedly remained unavailable, prompting the EFCC to escalate the matter by declaring Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted. In its public notice, the commission provided identifying details to assist members of the public in helping locate her. The EFCC listed her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street in Maitama, Abuja, and also noted that she originates from Zamfara State. The agency appealed to citizens with relevant information to come forward, providing a hotline number and an official email address for tips that could assist in her arrest and prosecution.
The declaration marks a critical stage in the EFCC’s enforcement strategy, as it signals that conventional legal and administrative channels have not yet succeeded in securing her appearance in court. The commission stressed that being declared wanted does not amount to a conviction but reflects the necessity of ensuring that individuals facing serious charges are brought before the court to respond to allegations.
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Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from July 2019 until May 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Her appointment was historically significant as she was one of the youngest members of the federal cabinet at the time. During her tenure, she supervised several flagship social welfare programmes, including components of the National Social Investment Programme, which was designed to reduce poverty, provide direct financial support to low income families, and improve access to basic social services.
These programmes were widely promoted as key pillars of the government’s poverty alleviation strategy. However, in recent years, they have become the subject of increased scrutiny as questions have been raised about transparency, monitoring, and the actual impact of funds disbursed under the schemes. The current EFCC investigation into the former minister forms part of a broader review of financial activities within the ministry, particularly in relation to humanitarian funding and contract execution processes.
The case has also drawn attention due to its connection with other developments within the same ministry. Her successor, Betta Edu, has previously faced separate allegations relating to financial irregularities, which led to her suspension from office. These developments have contributed to growing public concern about governance practices within the humanitarian sector and the management of social welfare funds in Nigeria.
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As the investigation continues, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the case to its conclusion, emphasizing that accountability and due process remain central to its mandate. The commission has stated that efforts are ongoing to locate the former minister and ensure her appearance before the court to respond to the 21 count charge filed against her and her co accused.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, with legal proceedings pending and law enforcement agencies continuing their search. The outcome of the case is expected to depend on whether the former minister is eventually apprehended or voluntarily submits herself to the jurisdiction of the court. Until then, the EFCC says it will maintain its pursuit within the framework of the law, while the judiciary determines the next steps in what has become one of the most closely followed corruption cases in recent years.
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