Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq

Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from 2019 to 2023. She is currently the subject of an active criminal prosecution initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding alleged fraud, criminal breach of trust, and abuse of office. In April 2026, the FCT High Court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear for arraignment on a 21-count charge. The EFCC alleges that Farouq, alongside a former permanent secretary, misappropriated approximately $1.3 million and N746.6 million. Prosecutors claim these funds, which were excess payments meant to be returned to the ministry by a contractor, were diverted for personal use between May 2021 and September 2022. The EFCC subsequently declared her wanted. Her legal counsel has stated that she is currently in Egypt and medically unfit to attend court proceedings. The court has maintained the active arrest warrant and adjourned the case for her arraignment. Additionally, in January 2024, the EFCC interrogated Farouq regarding a separate investigation into the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure. Farouq has publicly denied involvement in fraudulent activities. Furthermore, in 2024, a Federal High Court ordered her to account for N729 billion in social intervention payments and provide details on beneficiary selection following a suit by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project. In September 2020, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission also alleged the diversion of N2.67 billion in school feeding funds during her administration.