RismadarVoice Reporters, April 16, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie gave the order on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following the failure of the two defendants to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the duo alongside a third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, on a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent award of contracts, and diversion of public funds.
At the proceedings, only the third defendant was present in court.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that although the charges were filed on December 15, 2025, the first and second defendants had been difficult to serve, despite assurances from their legal representatives.
He further informed the court that Farouq had earlier obtained the release of her passport from the Commission in 2024 on the grounds of seeking medical treatment in Saudi Arabia but had yet to return it or provide any medical report.
Jacobs also questioned the authenticity of documents presented by her counsel, noting that the medical reports attached to an affidavit were issued after the charges had already been filed.
Counsel to the first defendant, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), attributed his client’s absence to ill health and sought the court’s permission to tender an affidavit to that effect, as well as additional time to produce her in court. However, the court declined the application.
The EFCC also requested an amendment to an earlier ex-parte motion to focus on the first and second defendants and urged the court to issue a bench warrant for their arrest, citing their failure to honour bail conditions and appear for trial.
Granting the application, Justice Onwuegbuzie issued a warrant of arrest against Farouq and Alkali to compel their appearance in court.
The charges against the defendants include the alleged misappropriation of $1.3 million, said to be funds refunded by a contractor, Visual ICT Limited, under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) project, as well as N746.6 million in public funds.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until May 18, 2026, for arraignment and trial.
The case marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by anti-corruption authorities to prosecute alleged financial misconduct within public institutions.
