News
EFCC declares ex-minister Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted over alleged ₦37bn fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on the anti-graft agency’s website, the EFCC called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.
According to the commission, Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently investigating the ministry she supervised over an alleged ₦37 billion fraud linked to social intervention programmes.
Earlier on April 16, 2026, an FCT High Court sitting in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she allegedly failed to appear for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million, funds said to be linked to refunds from payments made under a federal social intervention programme.
The commission alleged that part of the money meant to be returned to the ministry was diverted for personal use.
Follow Us on Google Discover
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
Nigerians, foreign nationals nabbed over illegal mining in Nasarawa
My husband suffering political prosecution – El-Rufai’s wife Asia reports husband’s detention to international community
Kebbi 2027: ADC Guber candidate Abubakar Malami names Musa Zagi as running mate
Suspected bandits kill 13 in fresh attacks on Sokoto communities
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
Mary Habila had a boyfriend but was like a daughter to me; before her death, she had a nosebleed, Umahi says
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
BREAKING: Abducted principal, NECO official, students rescued – Kogi Govt
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
Hawking, preaching in buses to attract ₦50,000 fine — Senate
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
