Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, has issued a warrant of arrest against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
Justice Onwuegbuzie also issued a warrant of arrest against the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali.
Both are facing charges over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
The arrest order was made after both failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment on Thursday.
Only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present.
The Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the trio on a 21-count charge bordering on:
- Criminal breach of trust
- Abuse of office
- Fraudulent award of contracts
- Conversion of public funds
The funds in question include $1.3 million allegedly meant to be refunded to the Ministry by Visual ICT Limited under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), and ₦746,574,303 linked to contract irregularities.
Count one of the charge specifically accuses Farouq and Alkali of fraudulently converting the $1.3 million to personal use while serving in their official capacities between May 2021 and September 2022.
Prosecution’s Position
EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that the charge had been filed since December 15, 2025, but the first and second defendants evaded service.
He explained that while their lawyers had promised to produce them, they failed to appear until the court ordered service.
Jacobs further revealed that Farouq had requested her passport in 2024 for a medical trip to Saudi Arabia but never returned it.
He noted that no medical report was provided for that trip, and the affidavit of fact submitted by her counsel contained medical documents dated only after the charges were filed.
Defence’s Position
Counsel to Farouq, Abdul Ibrahim, SAN, argued that her absence was due to ill health and sought to tender an affidavit of fact to support his claim.
However, the court rejected the application.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the absence of the first and second defendants was unjustified and subsequently issued a warrant of arrest to compel their appearance in court.
Context for Nigerian Readers
In Nigeria’s political structure, a Minister is equivalent to a Commissioner at the state level, while a Permanent Secretary is the top civil servant in a ministry, responsible for administrative continuity.
Their arraignment underscores accountability measures for both political appointees and career civil servants.
This case highlights:
- The EFCC’s determination to pursue high-profile corruption cases.
- The judiciary’s insistence on accountability, regardless of political status.
- Ongoing scrutiny of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which has faced repeated allegations of mismanagement of funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians.
The FCT High Court has ordered the arrest of former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq and Permanent Secretary Bashir Alkali after they failed to appear for arraignment on charges of fraud involving $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
The EFCC insists the funds were diverted for personal benefit, while the defence cites ill health.
The case now moves forward under the weight of judicial enforcement and public scrutiny.
