Farouq

Sadiya Umar-Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (2019–2023), is currently wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a 21-count charge of criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and conversion of public funds. The charges involve the alleged misappropriation of approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million. In April 2026, an FCT High Court issued an arrest warrant after she failed to appear for arraignment. Counsel has cited ill health and medical treatment in Egypt as reasons for her absence, but the court has rejected these pleas and sustained the warrant. Additionally, she has been linked to investigations concerning N37.1 billion in social intervention funds. In 2020, the ICPC also reported a diversion of N2.67 billion meant for school feeding programs. She has previously stated her readiness to defend her actions.