Jun 16, 2026

FCT High Court Maintains Arrest Warrant Against Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria — June 16, 2026 - A Federal Capital Territory High Court has upheld the arrest warrant issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over allegations of diverting $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million in public funds.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled on Monday that the former minister wilfully failed to appear in court without valid justification, reinforcing the court’s authority to issue and sustain bench warrants in such circumstances.

Delivering the ruling at the FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja, the judge emphasised that Nigerian law empowers the court to order the arrest of a defendant who is absent without satisfactory explanation.

Farouq’s legal team had sought to set aside the warrant, citing medical grounds including arthritis and heart disease.

The court rejected these arguments, with the judge reportedly questioning whether adequate medical facilities were unavailable in Nigeria.

The warrant, first issued after she failed to appear for arraignment alongside co-defendants, remains in full force.

Farouq faces prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) together with two others — former Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed — on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, breach of trust, fraudulent contract awards, and conversion of public funds.

Only the third defendant was present in court during recent proceedings.

The case stems from financial transactions during her tenure overseeing critical social intervention programmes, including components of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) designed to support vulnerable Nigerians through initiatives such as school feeding, cash transfers, and youth empowerment schemes.

The ruling marks the latest development in a high-profile investigation that has drawn significant public attention.

The EFCC had earlier declared Farouq wanted in connection with the alleged diversion, prompting the initial arrest warrant in April.

Her continued absence from court proceedings has now led the judiciary to take a firm stance on enforcing appearance requirements, underscoring that no individual, regardless of former status, is above the legal process.

This development carries wider implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture and public trust in institutions managing social welfare funds.

Billions of naira allocated to humanitarian and poverty-alleviation programmes are intended for the most disadvantaged citizens — children in schools, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and unemployed youth.

Allegations of large-scale diversion strike at the heart of these efforts, potentially undermining confidence in government programmes meant to cushion economic hardship.

Legal observers note that the court’s decision reinforces judicial independence and the principle that wilful non-appearance cannot be used to frustrate prosecution.

At the same time, the case highlights procedural nuances: while the bench warrant compels attendance, Farouq retains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Her defence team may still present medical or other evidence at the appropriate stage, though the judge’s remarks suggest a high bar for excusing absence.

From a broader governance perspective, the matter reflects ongoing scrutiny of public financial management in the humanitarian sector.

Previous EFCC recoveries from related investigations have demonstrated both the scale of funds involved and the challenges of tracing and retrieving misappropriated resources.

The current proceedings could set important precedents regarding accountability for former political appointees and the handling of sensitive social investment portfolios.

For ordinary Nigerians, particularly beneficiaries of the affected programmes, the case serves as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and oversight in the disbursement of public resources.

Diversion of even a fraction of these funds deprives communities of essential support, exacerbating poverty and inequality in a country already grappling with economic pressures.

As the warrant remains active, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to secure Farouq’s appearance. The court has made clear that the legal process will proceed, with or without voluntary compliance.

The coming weeks will determine whether the former minister presents herself for arraignment or whether further enforcement measures become necessary.

Ultimately, this ruling strengthens the message that the Nigerian judiciary is prepared to uphold due process and hold powerful individuals to account.

In a democracy, no amount of former office or influence should shield anyone from answering serious allegations involving public funds.

The eyes of the nation remain fixed on how justice unfolds in this and similar high-stakes cases.