On May 9, 2026, the EFCC declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of N37.1 billion. This follows earlier investigations dating back to January 2024 and an arrest warrant issued by an FCT High Court in Apo on April 16, 2026, after she and ministry officials failed to appear for arraignment.
The EFCC’s public notice, signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, listed Farouq’s last known address in Maitama, Abuja, and urged citizens to provide information about her whereabouts. Alongside Farouq, Bashir Nura Alkali, a former permanent secretary in the ministry, and Sani Nafiu Mohammed were also named in the 21-count charge, which includes criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and fraudulent award of contracts. Investigators allege that about 1.3 million dollars and N746.6 million meant for social intervention programs were diverted for personal use.
Farouq, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, oversaw programs such as conditional cash transfers, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and COVID-19 relief distribution. The ministry has long faced scrutiny, with allegations of “ghost beneficiaries” and inflated contracts. In January 2024, Farouq was invited by the EFCC for questioning over a N37.1 billion fraud case linked to contractor James Okwete, though she initially failed to appear before investigators.
The April 16, 2026, arrest warrant issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court marked a turning point in the case. The court ordered the arrest of Farouq, Alkali, and Mohammed after they failed to attend their scheduled arraignment. The EFCC subsequently escalated the matter by declaring Farouq wanted on May 9, 2026, at 12:26 p.m.
Reactions from political analysts and civil society groups have been swift. Analysts argue that prosecuting a former cabinet minister is a crucial test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, while civil society organizations stress that corruption in humanitarian programs undermines poverty reduction efforts and erodes public trust. Legal experts note that if convicted, Farouq and her co-defendants could face imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets.
The case underscores broader concerns about corruption in Nigeria’s public institutions. Mismanagement of welfare funds deepens poverty, weakens democratic accountability, and damages Nigeria’s international reputation. Advocates call for reforms such as independent audits, stronger financial monitoring systems, and greater transparency in investigations. Protecting welfare funds meant for internally displaced persons, poor households, women, and children’s remains critical to restoring public confidence in government institutions.
