EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted Over Alleged Fund Diversion

 EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted Over Alleged Fund Diversion

By Fatima Mohammed 

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.

In a public notice issued on Saturday via the Commission’s official communication channels, the anti-graft agency called on Nigerians to assist with information that could lead to her arrest. According to the notice, Farouq, aged 52, is a native of Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The EFCC urged members of the public with credible information on her whereabouts to report to the nearest EFCC office or contact the agency through its designated communication lines. The development marks a significant escalation in ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during her tenure.

Findings reveal that the move follows an earlier directive by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, Abuja. The court reportedly issued a warrant for her arrest on April 16, 2026, after reviewing evidence presented by prosecutors regarding alleged mismanagement and diversion of government funds under the ministry.

Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from 2019 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time of her appointment in July 2019, she was one of the youngest members of the Federal Executive Council.

During her tenure, the ministry was responsible for implementing key social intervention programmes, including conditional cash transfers, school feeding initiatives, and disaster response efforts across the country. However, the ministry later came under public scrutiny amid allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and irregularities in the disbursement of intervention funds.

While the EFCC has not disclosed full details of the charges in its latest notice, sources within the Commission indicate that the investigation is part of a broader probe into the handling of billions of naira allocated for humanitarian services, particularly during emergency response operations and poverty alleviation programmes.

The declaration of Farouq as wanted signals the Commission’s renewed efforts to clamp down on high-profile corruption cases and reinforce accountability in public service. Analysts note that the case could have far-reaching implications for governance and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector, especially in agencies tasked with managing funds meant for vulnerable populations.

As of the time of filing this report, attempts to reach Sadiya Umar Farouq or her legal representatives for comment were unsuccessful.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all individuals implicated in financial crimes are brought to justice, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against corruption.