A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over alleged involvement in a multi-million fraud case.
The arrest order was granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie after the former minister and a senior government official failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
Also affected by the court order is Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, who is facing trial alongside Umar-Farouq.
The case was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused the defendants of abuse of office, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants are linked to the alleged diversion of about $1.3 million and over N746 million belonging to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that efforts to bring the first and second defendants before the court had failed, despite previous attempts and assurances from their legal representatives.
He further disclosed that Umar-Farouq had earlier obtained permission to travel abroad for medical reasons but failed to return her passport or provide any medical documentation to support her claims.
Her legal counsel, however, argued that her absence in court was due to health challenges and attempted to submit documents to that effect, but the court declined the request.
With only the third defendant present in court, the judge ruled in favour of the prosecution’s application and ordered the immediate arrest of the absent defendants.
The development marks a significant step in the ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting alleged financial misconduct within government institutions.
The case is expected to continue once the defendants are apprehended and brought before the court.
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