EFCC Declares Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Wanted Over Alleged N37bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over an alleged multi-billion naira fraud linked to her tenure in office.

In a notice released on Saturday, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide through the provided phone lines.
According to the EFCC, Umar Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, while her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
The commission is investigating the alleged diversion and mismanagement of about N37 billion connected to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during her period in office.
The development followed an earlier ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court on April 16, 2026, directing the arrest of Umar Farouq after she and other defendants failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, who presided over the case, also issued a warrant for the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
Umar Farouq, Alkali and another defendant identified as Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC over allegations bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the defendants allegedly diverted about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government intervention programmes.
The EFCC further alleged that some of the funds, expected to be returned to the ministry after disbursements under a social intervention scheme, were instead converted for personal use.
The latest action by the commission marks a major escalation in its investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving former public officials and government social intervention programmes.