A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, has upheld the arrest warrant issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over allegations involving the diversion of $1.3 million and 746.7 million.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled that the bench warrant earlier issued against the former minister would remain in force after she failed to appear in court for her scheduled arraignment. The court rejected efforts by her legal team to have the warrant vacated, insisting that the judicial process must proceed without unnecessary delays.
Farouq is facing prosecution alongside former Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali and another defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the defendants were involved in criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and the diversion of public funds. The anti-graft agency filed a 21-count charge against the accused persons.
According to the EFCC, the case centers on the alleged mismanagement and diversion of $1.3 million and 746.7 million linked to projects under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Investigators claim that part of the funds involved was meant to be refunded to the ministry by a contractor, Visual ICT Limited, following excess payments under a government social intervention programme.
During the latest court session, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court that Farouq had once again failed to appear despite assurances previously given by her legal representatives. The prosecution argued that maintaining the arrest warrant was necessary to ensure her appearance before the court.
Farouq's counsel told the court that the former minister was receiving medical treatment abroad and was not fit to attend proceedings. The defence requested additional time, citing a medical report allegedly indicating that she required further recovery before traveling back to Nigeria. However, the court expressed concern over repeated delays and declined to set aside the arrest warrant.
Justice Onwuegbuzie emphasized the need for an expeditious trial and warned against what he described as attempts to frustrate the judicial process through repeated adjournment requests. The judge subsequently granted only a short adjournment while directing that the former minister be produced before the court at the next hearing.
The case has attracted significant public attention, particularly following the EFCC's decision to declare Farouq wanted earlier this year after she allegedly failed to respond to summons and court directives. The commission has continued to urge members of the public with information regarding her whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide.
As proceedings continue, the outcome of the trial is expected to be closely monitored as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in the management of public funds in Nigeria.
