EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Ex-Minister Farouq and Perm Sec Over $1.3m, ₦746m Fraud

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court has issued arrest warrants for former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Farouq and her ex-Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali. They failed to appear for arraignment in a 21-count fraud trial by the EFCC. The charges allege that between May 2021 and September 2022 they diverted $1.3m and ₦746.57m meant for the National Social Safety Net programme. Only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, appeared and was granted bail. EFCC counsel told the court the duo evaded service and that Farouq’s passport was released for a medical trip to Saudi Arabia, yet no medical reports have been provided. Defence counsel cited ill health but the court refused to postpone. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned for arraignment on May 18, 2026, and ordered the EFCC to arrest both former officials.

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