Alleged N37bn fraud: EFCC declares ex-Minister Sadiya Farouk wanted 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, wanted over allegations of fraud, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

In a notice published on its official website on Saturday, the anti-graft agency said the former minister, who served under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023, is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct in the ministry.

The EFCC stated that Farouk, 52, an indigene of Zamfara State, was last seen in the Maitama area of Abuja. It also listed her last known address as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The commission, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, urged members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to report to any of its offices nationwide or the nearest security agency.

The development comes weeks after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant against the former minister and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Nura Alkali, following their failure to appear for arraignment.

Both officials are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, breach of trust and diversion of public funds linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

Investigators allege that the case involves the misappropriation of about N37 billion, including $1.3 million and N746.6 million earmarked for social intervention programmes.

According to the EFCC, part of the funds meant for humanitarian interventions was allegedly diverted for personal use instead of being remitted appropriately after disbursement.