The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency announced the development in a notice published on Saturday, urging Nigerians with useful information about her whereabouts to report to the nearest EFCC office or security agency.
According to the commission, Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, while her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
In the statement signed by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the commission said: “The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq… is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Abuse of Office, Diversion of Public Funds.”
Farouq served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
The declaration follows ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to the ministry during her tenure. Reports indicate that a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja had earlier issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants reportedly failed to appear for arraignment in court.
The EFCC is investigating an alleged multi-billion naira fraud tied to the ministry’s social intervention programmes.
The commission alleged that part of the funds meant to be returned to the ministry was diverted for personal use.