Anti-Graft Agency Launches Nationwide Search
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency published the notice on its official website on Saturday. As a result, the announcement has drawn fresh attention to ongoing investigations linked to the former minister’s time in office.
According to the EFCC, Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State. The commission also listed her last known address as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
EFCC Details Allegations Against Former Minister
The commission said the former minister faces allegations connected to the handling of public funds during her tenure in government.
In the statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale urged Nigerians to provide useful information that could help security agencies locate her.
“The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds,” the statement read.
However, the EFCC did not reveal the total amount linked to the alleged fraud.
Even so, the development has intensified public discussions about the management of government intervention funds under the previous administration.
Commission Seeks Public Cooperation
Meanwhile, the EFCC called on members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information about Farouq’s whereabouts.
The commission asked Nigerians to contact any of its offices nationwide. These offices include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Kaduna, Ilorin, Gombe, Maiduguri, Uyo, Benin, Makurdi, Sokoto, and Ibadan.
In addition, the agency advised citizens to report to the nearest police station or use its official phone lines and email channels.
Security experts say public cooperation often helps investigators track suspects linked to financial crimes and corruption-related offences.
Farouq Served Under Buhari Administration
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
During her time in office, the ministry supervised several social intervention programmes. These included conditional cash transfers, school feeding schemes, and humanitarian support initiatives.
Furthermore, the ministry handled emergency response programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of economic hardship across the country.
Over the years, civil society groups and public analysts raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of some intervention funds.
Fresh Spotlight on Anti-Corruption Campaign
The latest move by the EFCC reflects renewed efforts to investigate former public officials accused of financial misconduct.
Many observers believe the case could become one of the major corruption investigations involving former cabinet members from the last administration.
At the same time, the EFCC has continued to expand investigations into cases involving abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and other financial crimes across different sectors.
