Court issues arrest warrant for ex-minister Sadiya Umar Farouq over alleged N2.49bn fraud

A FEDERAL Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms Sadiya Umar Farouq, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Bashir Nura Alkali, after they failed to appear in court for their arraignment.

The order was handed down on Thursday by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the duo on a 21-count charge involving alleged diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and criminal breach of trust.

The EFCC told the court that the defendants allegedly mismanaged about $1.3 million and over N746 million, bringing the total amount in question to roughly N2.49 billion during their time in office.

At the hearing, the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present, while Farouq and Alkali were absent from proceedings.

READ ALSO: Ngige remanded in Kuje amid Tinubu’s clampdown on Buhari’s loyalists

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court that all defendants had been properly served but failed to attend despite having prior knowledge of the arraignment date.

He added that although Farouq had earlier obtained approval to travel abroad for medical treatment, she did not return her passport or provide any medical report to the EFCC after the approval lapsed.

Counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim, argued that her absence was due to ill health and attempted to submit an affidavit to that effect, but the court declined to accept it.

The defence also requested a 6-week adjournment to allow the defendants time to appear, a move opposed by the prosecution, which insisted on immediate enforcement measures.

The EFCC maintained that the defendants had repeatedly disregarded court summons and bail conditions, urging the court to compel their attendance through arrest.

Ruling on the application, Justice Onwuegbuzie approved the request and issued bench warrants for the arrest of both Farouq and Alkali.

The case was adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and further proceedings.