EFCC declares former minister Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds in Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and diversion of public funds.
According to reports, the anti-graft agency secured a warrant of arrest against the former minister alongside a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, following their failure to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for arraignment.
The EFCC is reportedly prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge linked to the alleged misappropriation of about $1.3 million and over ₦746 million meant for government programmes under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
Investigators alleged that the funds, which were expected to be refunded to the ministry after an overpayment involving a government project, were unlawfully converted for personal use. The case has continued to attract nationwide attention due to the ministry’s role in handling social intervention programmes targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court reportedly issued the arrest warrant after the accused persons failed to honour the court summons. Only one of the defendants was present during the hearing.
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The development marks another major anti-corruption move by the EFCC as investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving former public office holders continue across the country.
