The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, former minister of humanitarian affairs and social development, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its website, the anti-graft agency urged “anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” to report to any EFCC office using the contact details provided.
“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice stated.
Umar Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC is currently investigating the ministry she supervised over an alleged N37 billion fraud.
Earlier on April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also ordered the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, following an EFCC application after the defendants failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Umar Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office filed by the EFCC.
The commission alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
According to the EFCC, part of the funds, which were meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments under a social intervention programme, were allegedly diverted for personal use.