The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, on its wanted list over alleged misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office.
The anti-corruption agency made the announcement through a notice published on its official website, calling on members of the public to provide information that could lead to her arrest.
According to the EFCC, Farouq, who is 52 years old and hails from Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister served in the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
Investigators are currently probing alleged fraud amounting to N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.
Earlier in April 2026, an FCT High Court in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest alongside Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, after both failed to appear for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie approved the warrant following an application filed by the EFCC.
Farouq, Alkali and another defendant, Sani Mohammed, are being prosecuted on a 21-count charge involving alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleged that the suspects diverted approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million, including money meant to be refunded to the ministry under a social intervention programme, for personal use.
