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 its official website on Saturday, the anti-graft agency called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office across the country through the contact numbers provided by the commission.
According to the EFCC, Sadiya Umar Farouq, who is 52 years old, is from Zamfara State. The agency listed her last known address as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. She served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
The commission said it is investigating an alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her time in office. The EFCC also alleged that some funds meant for government programmes were diverted unlawfully.
On April 16, 2026, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo issued a warrant for the arrest of Umar Farouq after she and other defendants failed to appear in court for arraignment. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also ordered the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
The EFCC said Umar Farouq, Bashir Nura Alkali and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office. The commission further alleged that the defendants misappropriated about 1.3 million dollars and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.