EFCC Declares Former Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted Over Alleged ₦37 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of ₦37 billion in public funds.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the declaration on Saturday, May 9, 2026, urging members of the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of the former minister. Farouq served in the cabinet of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission hereby declares Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted,” Oyewale said in a statement. “She is wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.”

The move came approximately three weeks after a Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant against her, around April 17, 2026. Despite the court order, Farouq had not appeared before the court.

Charges and Background

Farouq, who headed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs from 2019 to 2023, is facing charges relating to the alleged diversion of billions of naira meant for vulnerable Nigerians. The ministry had oversight of several social intervention programmes under the Buhari administration, including the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), cash transfers to poor households, and school feeding schemes.

Investigators have linked the alleged financial infractions to funds that passed through the ministry during her tenure. The EFCC had been probing the ministry and several of its officials even before formal charges were filed.

The anti-graft agency stated that the public interest warranted her declaration as a fugitive since she had refused to honour court summons. The commission did not give details on her last known location.

Public Urged to Report Her Location

Oyewale called on citizens with information about Farouq’s whereabouts to contact the EFCC. He stated that anyone who harbours or shields her from law enforcement could face prosecution for obstruction of justice.

This development puts Farouq among a growing list of prominent Nigerians that the EFCC has declared wanted in recent years, including serving and former public officials facing corruption-related charges.

Her case is one of several high-profile prosecutions signalling a renewed push by the commission to recover funds allegedly looted from federal social programmes.

Farouq had earlier written to the EFCC citing health challenges as the reason she could not honour its invitation. However, the commission proceeded with the declaration after she failed to appear in court despite an arrest warrant issued around April 17, 2026.

Sources: News Central TV, News Point Nigeria, The Source Nigeria, Leadership