FCT High Court orders arrest after former minister, ex-permanent secretary fail to appear for arraignment.
By Jumai Musa | Abuja, Nigeria
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
The order followed her failure to appear in court for arraignment on multiple fraud-related charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Thursday directed the arrest of Sadiya Umar Farouq and a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, after both defendants failed to appear in court.
The duo, alongside a third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and alleged diversion of public funds.
While Mohammed was present in court, Farouq and Alkali were absent, prompting the prosecution to seek a bench warrant for their arrest.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the charge had been filed since December 15, 2025, but the first and second defendants had failed to present themselves despite being served.
He further stated that although Farouq had earlier been granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, she had neither returned her passport nor provided medical documentation to justify her continued absence.
Jacobs argued that all medical reports submitted by the defence were issued after the charges had been filed and did not relate to the earlier approved travel.
Defence counsel, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), attributed Farouq’s absence to ill health and sought to tender an affidavit to that effect, but the court rejected the application.
The defence also requested six weeks to produce the former minister in court, a request opposed by the prosecution.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC’s application and issued a warrant of arrest against both Farouq and Alkali.
Alleged Fraud and Abuse of Office
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly misappropriated $1.3 million and ₦746.5 million during their tenure in office.
The EFCC accused them of diverting funds linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), including excess payments made for the validation of Rapid Response Register beneficiaries.
The prosecution alleged that the funds, which were meant to be refunded to the ministry by a contractor, were instead converted for personal use.
Case Adjourned for Arraignment
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and commencement of trial.
The ruling paves the way for enforcement action to compel the defendants’ appearance before the court.
The case underscores ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct. It also highlights the judiciary’s stance on enforcing court attendance and ensuring that high-profile defendants face trial.
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