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.
The anti-graft agency announced the development through a notice published on its official website, urging members of the public to provide information that could lead to her arrest.
According to the EFCC, “Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact the commission through the telephone numbers and offices listed in the notice.
The commission disclosed that Farouq, aged 52, is from Zamfara State and her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The declaration follows earlier legal proceedings involving the former minister and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali.
In April, a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo issued a warrant for their arrest after both defendants allegedly failed to appear for arraignment in an ongoing fraud case.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the warrant following an application filed by the EFCC, which is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge.
The charges reportedly include criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent award of contracts, and diversion of public funds amounting to approximately $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
The EFCC has maintained that investigations into the alleged financial misconduct are ongoing.
