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 wanted notice on Saturday, drawing nationwide attention to the latest development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
According to the EFCC, the former minister is being investigated over allegations linked to the management of public funds during her time in office under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
EFCC Publishes Wanted Notice
In the notice shared by the commission, the EFCC identified Farouq as a 52-year-old indigene of Zamfara State.
The commission also listed her last known address as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The notice was signed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who urged Nigerians with useful information about her whereabouts to contact the agency immediately.
The statement read in part:
“The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.”
Former Humanitarian Minister Under Investigation
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from 2019 to 2023.
During her tenure, the ministry supervised several social intervention programmes, including poverty alleviation and humanitarian support projects across Nigeria.
The EFCC has not yet released full details of the allegations, but the case is believed to be connected to investigations into the handling of government funds under the ministry.
EFCC Asks Nigerians For Information
The anti-corruption agency called on members of the public to provide any useful information that could help locate the former minister.
According to the EFCC, Nigerians can contact any of its offices nationwide, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and other major cities.
The agency also advised citizens to report directly to the nearest police station if they have credible information regarding her whereabouts.
The development has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians closely following updates on the investigation.
The declaration of Sadiya Umar Farouq as wanted marks another major development in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign. As investigations continue, attention will remain on the EFCC’s next steps and any official response from the former minister.
