Court Orders Arrest of Former Minister Sadiya Farouq Over Multi-Million Naira Fraud Allegations
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has taken decisive action by issuing arrest warrants against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali. The court order comes in response to their failure to appear for arraignment on serious fraud charges involving substantial public funds.
Justice Onwuegbuzie Grants EFCC's Application for Arrest
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's application for bench warrants after the two defendants repeatedly failed to appear in court. The judge noted that only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present for the scheduled arraignment on Thursday. This marked the latest development in a case that has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the substantial amounts involved.
Details of the 21-Count Charge
The EFCC has prepared a comprehensive 21-count charge against the trio, encompassing multiple serious offenses:
- Criminal breach of trust involving public funds
- Abuse of office and official position
- Fraudulent award of government contracts
- Conversion of public funds for personal use
According to the detailed charges, Farouq and Alkali allegedly diverted $1.3 million that was meant to be refunded to the ministry by Visual ICT Limited. These funds represented excess payments made under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office program for validating Rapid Response Register beneficiaries.
Prosecution's Arguments and Defense Challenges
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) presented compelling arguments to the court, revealing that although charges were filed on December 15, 2025, the anti-graft agency had encountered significant difficulties in producing the first and second defendants for proper arraignment. Jacobs disclosed a particularly concerning detail: Farouq had previously requested the release of her passport from the EFCC in 2024, citing the need for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
The prosecution noted with concern that Farouq had neither returned the passport nor provided any medical documentation to justify her continued absence from court proceedings. Jacobs further challenged the defense's affidavit that attributed Farouq's absence to ill health, pointing out that the medical reports submitted were obtained after charges had already been filed against the defendants.
Defense Pleas and Court's Firm Stance
Defense counsel Abdul Ibrahim (SAN) made a plea to the court for a six-week adjournment, promising to produce the first defendant within that timeframe. However, Justice Onwuegbuzie declined this request, emphasizing the importance of judicial proceedings moving forward without further delay. The prosecution had strongly urged the court to issue bench warrants, citing the defendants' failure to honor bail conditions and appear for trial despite being properly served with all necessary legal documents.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With the arrest warrants now officially issued, law enforcement agencies have been directed to apprehend Farouq and Alkali to ensure their appearance in court. The case has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, for the formal arraignment and commencement of trial proceedings. This development represents a significant step in the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat corruption at the highest levels of government and ensure accountability for the alleged misuse of public funds intended for humanitarian and social development programs.
The case continues to highlight the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in prosecuting high-profile individuals while maintaining the integrity of judicial processes. As the legal proceedings advance, public attention remains focused on how this case will unfold and what implications it may have for Nigeria's broader anti-corruption efforts.
