The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering on abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency made the announcement in a notice published on its official platform on Friday, urging members of the public to assist with useful information that could lead to her arrest or location.
According to the EFCC, the former minister is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds during her tenure in the ministry.
In the notice, the commission appealed to anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide through the official channels provided by the agency.
“The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case involving abuse of office and diversion of public funds,” the notice stated.
Although the EFCC did not immediately disclose the specific amount allegedly involved, sources familiar with the investigation said the probe is linked to financial transactions and programmes executed under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development marks a major escalation in the commission’s investigation into activities within the ministry, which has faced sustained scrutiny over the handling of intervention funds, social investment programmes and contracts awarded during the period.
Ms Farouq served as minister from 2019 to 2023 and oversaw key federal government intervention programmes, including the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, school feeding initiatives and other social investment projects targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
Her tenure, however, was repeatedly dogged by allegations of financial irregularities and lack of transparency in the management of public funds.
The EFCC’s latest action comes amid broader efforts by anti-corruption agencies to intensify investigations into former public office holders accused of misappropriating government resources.
