A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, following their absence in court.
The arrest warrant was issued after both defendants failed to appear for their arraignment over charges linking them to an alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
Farouq, who served between 2019 and 2023, oversaw major social intervention initiatives, including the National Social Investment Programme.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the order on Thursday while ruling on an ex-parte motion brought by the prosecution and argued by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), after the defendants did not show up in court for their scheduled arraignment.
Prior to moving the motion, Jacobs requested a minor amendment to remove the name of the third defendant, Sani Mohammed, who was present in court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 21-count charge against the defendants last year, accusing them of offences including criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and diversion of public funds.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were allegedly involved in the mismanagement and diversion of $1,300,000 and N746,574,303.
The commission specifically alleged that Farouq and Alkali diverted $1.3 million that was meant to be refunded to the ministry by Visual ICT Limited, describing the funds as excess payments under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office programme for validating Rapid Response Register beneficiaries.
Jacobs told the court that the charges were filed on December 15, 2025, but the first and second defendants had yet to present themselves for arraignment.
He said their legal representatives had assured the court of producing them but failed to fulfil the undertaking.
Jacobs also disclosed that Farouq travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2024 for medical treatment after her passport was released by the commission, but she has yet to return it or provide any medical report.
He added that medical documents later submitted by her legal team were issued after the charges had already been filed.
Counsel to the defendants, Abdul Ibrahim, said the forget minister was absent on grounds of ill health.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the case until May 18 for arraignment.
