A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo has issued arrest warrants for former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, over her failure to appear in court for arraignment in an alleged fraud case.
The court also ordered the arrest of a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, who is facing the same charges.
The trial judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, gave the order after both defendants failed to attend court despite earlier assurances that they would be present.
The case was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused the defendants of involvement in fraud totaling $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
According to the EFCC, the defendants are facing a 21-count charge, including allegations of abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, fraudulent contract awards, and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency claimed that part of the money, $1.3 million, was meant to be refunded to the ministry by Visual ICT Limited but was allegedly diverted. The funds were linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, a key unit under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
During the court session, prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Jacobs said the charges were filed on December 15, 2025, but the defendants have not appeared in court since then.
He also told the court that Farouq travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2024 for medical treatment after her passport was released, but has not returned or provided valid medical reports.
However, the defence lawyer, Abdul Ibrahim, argued that the former minister’s absence was due to ill health.
After listening to both sides, the judge granted the EFCC’s request and issued arrest warrants against the two defendants.
The case has been adjourned to May 18 for arraignment.
