The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency, in a notice published on its official platform, called on members of the public with useful information on her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.
According to the EFCC, the 52-year-old former minister, who hails from Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The commission is currently investigating the ministry over an alleged N37bn fraud linked to the administration of social intervention programmes.
On April 16, 2026, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo issued a warrant for the arrest of the former minister after she failed to appear for arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of a former permanent secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali.
The EFCC said Umar Farouq, Alkali and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3m and N746.6m meant for government programmes.
The commission further alleged that part of the money, which was expected to be refunded to the ministry after disbursements under a social intervention scheme, was diverted for personal use.
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