The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Farouq, a former minister of humanitarian affairs and social development, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a statement shared on its website, the anti-graft agency said “anybody with useful information about her whereabouts” should contact EFCC offices through the number listed on the page.
“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State, and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.
Sadiya Farouq served as minister from 2019 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The anti-graft agency is investigating the ministry she oversaw over an alleged N37 billion fraud.
On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against Sadiya Farouq.
Jude Onwuegbuzie, the presiding judge, also granted an arrest order against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The order was granted following an application by the EFCC after the defendants failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
Umar Farouq and Alkali, alongside one Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office filed by the EFCC.
The commission alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
According to the EFCC, part of the funds meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme was allegedly converted for personal use.
