A Federal Capital Territory High Court rejected Sadiya Umar Farouq’s application to vacate an arrest warrant against her. The decision came on June 16, 2026, in a case involving alleged fraud at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie presided over the matter. He upheld the bench warrant issued earlier on April 16, 2026. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had sought the warrant after Farouq failed to appear for arraignment.
The EFCC charged Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, along with Bashir Nura Alkali, then Permanent Secretary in the ministry, and Sani Mohammed. Prosecutors accused the trio of a 21-count charge that included criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and fraudulent award of contracts.
Authorities alleged that between May 8, 2021, and September 22, 2022, Farouq and Alkali converted $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for the ministry. The funds related to excess payments under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office for beneficiary validation.
One count stated that the pair committed criminal breach of trust by fraudulently converting the sum to their personal benefit. The money was supposed to be refunded by Visual ICT Limited.
Farouq appeared before the court and filed an application to set aside the warrant. Her legal team argued for its vacation. However, the court dismissed the bid after hearing arguments. The ruling means the arrest warrant remains active.
The EFCC continued to pursue the case vigorously. Prosecutors maintained that Farouq and her co-defendants must face trial on the fraud allegations. As a result of the decision, Farouq must now address the outstanding warrant before any further proceedings can advance.
Legal observers noted that the case highlights ongoing accountability efforts in public fund management. The matter remains before the court for subsequent hearings.
