Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted over allegations bordering on abuse of office and the diversion of public funds.

The declaration was made public through an official notice released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday, intensifying ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to a social intervention programme managed during her tenure.

According to the commission, members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts are encouraged to report to any EFCC office using the contact details provided in the notice.

Atiku Obtains ADC Presidential Nomination Receipt

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the former minister, who hails from Zamfara State, is 52 years old. Her last known address was listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The latest development followed an earlier ruling delivered by a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo on April 16, 2026. Presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, reportedly issued a warrant for her arrest after she and another defendant failed to appear before the court for arraignment.

The court also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, in connection with the same case.

Both individuals, alongside Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC. The charges reportedly involve allegations of criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public funds connected to a government social intervention scheme.

Over ₦746 Million and $1.3 Million Allegedly Misappropriated

According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that approximately $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million were allegedly diverted from funds linked to the programme.

The commission claimed that part of the money was expected to be returned to the ministry after certain disbursements made under the intervention initiative. However, investigators allege that the funds were instead diverted for personal use.

The case has continued to attract public attention due to the scale of the alleged financial irregularities and the sensitive nature of the ministry involved, which was established to coordinate humanitarian support and poverty alleviation programmes across Nigeria.

Legal analysts believe the declaration marks a significant escalation in the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on alleged corruption involving former public office holders.

The anti-graft agency has maintained that it remains committed to ensuring accountability in the management of public resources, especially funds allocated to vulnerable citizens through government intervention programmes.

As investigations continue, attention is expected to focus on court proceedings and whether the former minister and other defendants will appear before the court to respond to the allegations brought against them.