The hunt for the former minister has reached a critical boiling point. As of May 14, 2026, the EFCC has escalated its pursuit of Sadiya Umar-Farouq, officially declaring her wanted just five days ago on May 9.
This isn’t just about missing a meeting; it’s a full-blown legal pursuit following a series of dramatic court absences.
The EFCC has filed a 21-count charge against the former Minister, alongside her former Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali. The core of the investigation involves alleged Misappropriation of Over $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.
Funds linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO). These were reportedly excess payments that should have been refunded to the ministry but were allegedly converted for personal use. This constituted the criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
A major point of contention in court has been the former minister’s travel history. The prosecution revealed that her passport was released to her in 2024 for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. However, the EFCC claims she never returned the passport and failed to provide any medical reports justifying her extended absence or her recent failures to appear in court.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court on April 16, issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to show up for her scheduled arraignment. Her legal team claimed she was too ill to attend, but the court rejected the excuse.
After she remained “at large,” the EFCC officially published her name and photograph on their wanted list, calling on the public to help locate her.
The court has adjourned the case until May 18, 2026, for her formal arraignment—provided she is in custody by then.
While her co-defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, has been appearing in court, the spotlight remains firmly on Umar-Farouq. It’s a significant moment in the ongoing probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which has seen several high-profile figures under the lens lately.
