Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Sadiya Farouq wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
In a statement on its website, the commission asked members of the public with information about her location to report to its offices or use the contact details provided.
The notice listed her age as 52 and said her last known address was in Maitama, Abuja.
“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the notice reads.
Farouq served as minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC said it is investigating the ministry she led over an alleged fraud of about N37 billion. It also said she is facing a 21-count charge with others, including breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the commission, about $1.3 million and N746.6 million are linked to the case. It said part of the funds were meant for a social intervention programme.
In April, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear for arraignment.
The court also issued a similar order against a former permanent secretary in the ministry Bashir Alkali.
The EFCC said the defendants failed to appear in court despite being served with charges and granted administrative bail.
The commission had earlier told the court that attempts to arraign them in December 2025 failed due to their absence.
Counsel to the EFCC Rotimi Jacobs said Sadiya Farouq had travelled abroad for medical reasons and did not return her international passport.
Counsel to the defendants Abdul Ibrahim told the court she was ill and asked for more time to produce her.
The judge Jude Onwuegbuzie rejected the request and granted the EFCC’s application for a bench warrant.
The matter was adjourned to May 18.
