A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over her failure to appear in court for arraignment in an alleged N2.49 billion fraud case.
The court, presided over by Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the former minister alongside a permanent secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali. Both defendants were absent during Thursday’s proceedings despite being scheduled to take their plea.
The ruling followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case. The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of failing to honour court summons and urged the court to compel their appearance through arrest.
According to the EFCC, the defendants are facing a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds during their time in office. The commission alleged that about $1.3 million and more than N746 million—amounting to approximately N2.49 billion—were misappropriated.
At the court session, only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present. His appearance, however, did not prevent the court from taking a firm position on the absence of the other two defendants.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that all the defendants had been properly served with the charges and notified of the arraignment date. He argued that their failure to appear was deliberate and showed disregard for the judicial process.
Jacobs further informed the court that the former minister had earlier been granted permission to travel abroad on medical grounds. However, he said she had neither returned her international passport nor provided any medical report to the EFCC as required.
He urged the court to issue bench warrants to ensure that the defendants are brought before the court to face the charges against them.
In response, counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim, told the court that his client’s absence was due to ill health. He attempted to tender an affidavit to support this claim, explaining that the former minister was unable to travel back to Nigeria in time for the hearing.
However, Justice Onwuegbuzie refused to admit the affidavit, insisting that proper procedures must be followed and that the court could not rely on documents that were not properly presented.
The defence also asked the court for a six-week adjournment to allow the defendants time to appear. But the prosecution strongly opposed the request, arguing that the defendants had repeatedly failed to comply with court orders and bail conditions.
The EFCC maintained that granting further delay would undermine the case and encourage disregard for the law. The commission insisted that stronger action was needed to ensure that the defendants appear in court.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed with the prosecution and granted the application for arrest. He issued bench warrants against both Farouq and Alkali, directing law enforcement agencies to take necessary steps to bring them before the court.
The judge stressed the importance of respecting court processes and warned that failure to comply with legal procedures would not be tolerated.
The case was adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and continuation of trial proceedings.
The development has drawn attention to ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable for their actions while in office. The EFCC has in recent years stepped up investigations and prosecutions involving former government officials accused of mismanaging public funds.
Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari. During her tenure, the ministry was responsible for several key social intervention programs, including cash transfers, food distribution, and support for vulnerable groups.
These programs were designed to reduce poverty and provide relief to Nigerians affected by economic hardship, conflicts, and natural disasters. However, the ministry also faced criticism and allegations of mismanagement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when large sums of money were released for emergency support.
The current case is one of several investigations linked to the activities of the ministry during that period. Analysts say the outcome of the trial could have wider implications for accountability in public service.
They also point out that while health issues can be a valid reason for absence, such claims must be properly documented and presented in line with legal requirements.
The case also highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s justice system, including delays in high-profile trials and difficulties in ensuring that defendants comply with court orders.
For many Nigerians, cases involving large sums of public money are closely watched, as they reflect broader concerns about corruption and governance. There is growing demand for transparency and accountability, especially in sectors that handle funds meant for vulnerable citizens.
The EFCC has repeatedly stated its commitment to pursuing such cases to their conclusion, regardless of the status of those involved. The agency has also called for greater cooperation from defendants and their legal representatives to ensure that trials proceed smoothly.
As the next court date approaches, attention will be on whether the former minister and the permanent secretary will appear to take their plea and begin their defence.