Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted in connection with an alleged multi-billion naira fraud under her tenure in office.
In a notice published on Saturday, the anti-graft agency asked members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts to contact any of its offices across the country through designated phone lines.
According to the EFCC, Umar Farouq, 52, hails from Zamfara State, while her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
The commission is currently investigating the alleged diversion and mismanagement of about N37 billion linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during her time in office.
The development follows an earlier ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court on April 16, 2026, ordering the arrest of Umar Farouq after she and other defendants failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, who presided over the matter, also issued a warrant for the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
Umar Farouq, Alkali and another defendant identified as Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC over allegations bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the defendants allegedly diverted about $1.3 million and N746.6 million earmarked for government intervention programmes.
The EFCC further alleged that some of the funds, which were expected to be returned to the ministry after disbursements under a social intervention scheme, were instead converted for personal use.
The latest move by the commission marks a significant escalation in its investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving former public officials and government social intervention programmes.
