The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its official platform, the anti-graft agency called on members of the public to provide any information that could lead to her arrest, stating that such details should be forwarded to its offices through designated contact channels.
“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” was urged to reach the commission, according to the EFCC statement.
The agency listed Farouq’s age as 52 and identified her as an indigene of Zamfara State.
It also provided her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently investigating the ministry she headed over alleged financial misconduct estimated at about N37 billion.
The former minister is facing allegations connected to the mismanagement of funds linked to social intervention programmes carried out during her tenure.
Earlier, on April 16, 2026, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear in court for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also granted an arrest order against a permanent secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali.
Both officials were ordered to be arrested following an application by the EFCC after they failed to show up in court for proceedings.
Farouq, alongside Alkali and another defendant, Sani Mohammed, is facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The charges include allegations of breach of trust, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.
The commission alleged that the defendants diverted approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for social intervention programmes.
According to the EFCC, part of the funds, which were originally intended for reimbursement under government welfare schemes, was allegedly converted for personal use.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to trace the whereabouts of the former minister and other accused persons.
