The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds involving $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
The anti-graft agency announced the declaration on Saturday through a notice published on its official website and signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
According to the EFCC, 52-year old Mrs Farouq, an indigene of Zamfara State, is being sought in connection with an alleged financial misconduct case tied to public funds under her supervision while in office.
“The public is hereby notified that SADIYA UMAR FAROUQ… is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds,” the statement read.
The commission listed her last known address as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja, and urged members of the public with useful information to report to any EFCC office nationwide or security agencies.
Background to the case
Mrs Farouq served as Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, overseeing humanitarian and social intervention programmes during her tenure.
The EFCC had earlier secured a warrant of arrest against her and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, on 16 April, 2026, after both officials failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Allegations of fund diversion
The anti-graft agency alleged that Mrs Farouq and Mr Alkali were involved in the diversion and mismanagement of $1.3 million and ₦746,574,303 linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office.
The funds were reportedly meant to be refunded to the ministry by Visual ICT Limited as excess payments made under the Rapid Response Register beneficiary validation programme.
Court order and legal action
The arrest warrant was issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie following the defendants’ absence in court proceedings, marking a key escalation in the corruption probe.
The EFCC stated that the case involves allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The commission has called on members of the public to assist in locating the former minister, providing multiple contact channels including EFCC offices across Nigeria, phone lines, email, and security agencies.
The development adds to a series of high-profile investigations involving former public officials as the EFCC intensifies its anti-corruption enforcement efforts across government institutions.
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