A High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, after she failed to appear in court for her arraignment.
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued a bench warrant following submissions by the prosecution that the former minister had consistently stayed away from court proceedings.
The court also ordered the arrest of Bashir Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, who is being tried alongside Farouq.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting both defendants on 21 counts related to alleged abuse of office, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to about $1.37 million and ₦748 million.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court that the defendants had earlier been granted administrative bail and properly notified of the charges but failed to present themselves for arraignment.
He added that attempts to ensure their appearance were unsuccessful, noting that only one defendant was present in court. The prosecutor also highlighted that Farouq had not returned her international passport after being permitted to travel abroad for medical reasons, and no medical report had been submitted to justify her continued absence.
In response, defence counsel, Abdul Ibrahim, told the court that his client was unwell and requested six weeks to produce her. However, the court declined the request.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently approved the prosecution’s application, ordering security agencies to arrest the defendants and ensure their appearance in court.
The case has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment.
Farouq served as a minister during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.