The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The anti-corruption agency announced the development in a notice released on its official platform on Friday.
According to the EFCC, members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts are encouraged to contact any of the commission’s offices through the channels provided in the notice.
The commission stated that Farouq, who hails from Zamfara State, is 52 years old. Her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development follows an earlier ruling delivered on April 16, 2026, by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo.
Presiding judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued a warrant for her arrest after she and another defendant reportedly failed to appear in court for arraignment.
The court also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
Both defendants, alongside Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office linked to a social intervention programme.
The anti-graft agency alleged that about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million meant for the programme were misappropriated.
According to the EFCC, part of the funds was expected to be returned to the ministry after programme disbursements but was allegedly diverted for personal use.