By Ayodele Oni
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government is on the wanted list of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on its website Saturday, the EFCC asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide.
Umar Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State. Her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. She served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
The EFCC is investigating alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.
On 16 April 2026, a Federal Capital Territory High Court issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also approved the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.
Umar Farouq, Alkali, and Sani Mohammed face a 21-count charge of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleges the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.
“Part of the funds, meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments under a social intervention programme, was allegedly diverted for personal use,” the agency said.
She served as Buhari’s Minister between 2019 and 2023 as a replacement for Dr. Beta Edu who was removed from office over some alleged untidy circumstances.
One of the highlights of Farouq’s tenure was when a social media blogger married her off to Buhari in a fake marriage ceremony complete with wedding invitations and photographs.
She was however alleged to have later married a former Chief of the Air Staff under same administration.
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