EFCC declares ex-minister Sadiya Umar 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 her alleged involvement in a N37 billion fraud linked to the administration of social intervention programmes.
The anti-graft agency announced the development ons Saturday in a notice published on its website, calling on members of the public with useful information on her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.
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 the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
The EFCC said it is investigating alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds within the ministry during her tenure, with the probe centred on an alleged N37 billion fraud.
On April 16, 2026, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo issued an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also ordered the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, following their failure to appear in court for arraignment. Umar Farouq, Alkali and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million, including funds reportedly meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments under a social intervention programme.
