The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a notice published on Saturday, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with useful information on her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.
The EFCC said Umar Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed in Maitama, Abuja.
The former minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023, is being investigated over alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.
An Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo had on April 16, 2026, issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also granted an arrest order against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.
The EFCC filed a 21-count charge against Umar Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The agency alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.
