The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency made the announcement public on Saturday through a notice published on its official platform, calling on Nigerians to assist in locating the former minister. According to the notice, Farouq, aged 52 and a native of Zamfara State, was last known to reside at EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.
In the statement signed by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the investigation centers on suspected misappropriation of funds during her tenure.
“The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq… is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds,” the statement read.
The EFCC further urged anyone with useful information on her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and other major cities, or report to the nearest police station.
Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, where she oversaw key social intervention programmes.
Her declaration as wanted marks a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, as authorities continue investigations into the management of public funds meant for vulnerable citizens.
The situation is expected to draw reactions across the political landscape, with renewed calls for accountability and transparency in public service.
