The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, wanted over allegations of fraud, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its official website on Saturday, the anti-graft agency said the former minister, who served between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial impropriety in the ministry.
The EFCC stated that Farouk, 52, an indigene of Zamfara State, was last seen in the Maitama area of Abuja. It also provided her last known address as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the commission urged members of the public with credible information on her whereabouts to report to any EFCC office nationwide, the nearest police station, or other security agencies.
The development follows a Federal High Court order in Abuja issued weeks earlier, which granted an arrest warrant against the former minister and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Nura Alkali, after they failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Both defendants are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, breach of trust and diversion of public funds in connection with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The commission alleges that about N37 billion is under investigation, including $1.3 million and N746.6 million linked to social intervention programmes.
According to investigators, part of the funds earmarked for humanitarian projects was allegedly diverted for personal use instead of being properly accounted for after disbursement.
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