The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of fraud and abuse of office linked to billions of naira.
In a notice released by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC asked members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of its offices across the country.
According to the commission, the former minister, who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, is being investigated over an alleged N37 billion fraud tied to activities within the ministry she once supervised.
The EFCC stated that Umar Farouq, who is from Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Court Issued Arrest Warrant
The development follows an arrest warrant earlier issued by a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie reportedly approved the warrant on April 16, 2026, after Umar Farouq and other defendants failed to appear before the court for their arraignment.
The court also ordered the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
EFCC Lists Multiple Charges
The EFCC filed a 21-count charge against Umar Farouq, Alkali, and another defendant identified as Sani Mohammed.
The charges reportedly include criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and alleged diversion of public funds.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the defendants are accused of misappropriating about $1.3 million and over N746 million belonging to the federal government.
The commission said investigations into the case are still ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate the former minister.
