EFCC declares ex-Minister Umar Farouq wanted over alleged N37bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

The EFCC, in a notice published on its website on Saturday, May 9, 2026, called on members of the public with useful information about the former minister’s whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide through the phone numbers provided.

According to the EFCC, Umar Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The former minister served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.

The EFCC is currently investigating alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.

On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory High Court issued a warrant for Umar Farouq’s arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.

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The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.

Umar Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.

According to the EFCC, part of the funds, which were supposed to be refunded to the ministry after payments under a social intervention programme, was allegedly diverted for personal use.