The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former humanitarian affairs minister Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published Friday, the EFCC asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices. The agency listed her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Farouq, 52, served as minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC is investigating her ministry over an alleged N37 billion fraud tied to a social intervention programme.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against her on April 16 after she failed to appear for arraignment. The court also granted an arrest order for Bashir Nura Alkali, a former permanent secretary in the ministry.
Both Farouq and Alkali, alongside Sani Mohammed, face a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office. The EFCC alleges they misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million, part of which was meant to be refunded to the ministry but was allegedly converted for personal use.
