Nigeria: EFCC declares former humanitarian affairs minister Farouq wanted

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency published the wanted notice on its official website on Saturday, May 11 2026, and confirmed that she presented herself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja shortly after the notice was released.

According to the EFCC, the 52-year-old former minister, who hails from Zamfara State, is being sought over alleged offenses committed during her tenure in office. The commission stated that she is wanted in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, signed the statement urging members of the public with credible information on her whereabouts to contact the commission immediately. The agency emphasized that any information provided would be treated with confidentiality.

The notice reads in part: “The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Abuse of Office, Diversion of Public Funds.

The EFCC asked anyone with useful information to reach out to any of its offices across the country. The commission operates zonal offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

The public can also contact the commission through its dedicated hotline at 08093322644 or via email at info@efcc.gov.ng. The EFCC advised citizens to report to the nearest police station if they are unable to reach the commission directly.

The agency reiterated that it is acting within its mandate to investigate and prosecute cases of financial crimes involving public officials, and called on Nigerians to cooperate with the process.

Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The ministry was created in 2019 to oversee social intervention programs, disaster response, and humanitarian aid distribution across Nigeria.

During her time in office, Farouq oversaw several high-profile programs including the National Social Investment Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, and COVID-19 palliative distribution. The ministry also managed disaster relief efforts for floods, conflicts, and other emergencies.

She was one of the longest-serving members of Buhari’s cabinet and frequently represented the federal government in engagements with international humanitarian organizations and donor agencies.

The declaration comes amid an ongoing EFCC investigation into alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of funds within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The commission has in recent months questioned several current and former officials of the ministry as part of its probe into the disbursement of social intervention funds.

The EFCC has not released specific details of the allegations against Farouq, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, sources within the commission indicate that the probe centers on contracts awarded, cash transfer processes, and the management of emergency relief funds during her tenure.

The commission has maintained that all investigations are being conducted in line with due process and that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shortly after the wanted notice was published, reports confirmed that Sadiya Umar Farouq arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. According to sources close to the commission, she arrived voluntarily to respond to the invitation and provide her statement regarding the allegations.

Legal experts note that presenting oneself to the EFCC after a wanted notice is a common step in high-profile cases, as it allows the suspect to engage with the investigation process and avoid arrest. The commission is expected to interrogate her and determine whether to file charges in court.

As of the time of reporting, the EFCC has not issued a statement on the outcome of her appearance at the headquarters.

The development has generated significant public attention, given Farouq’s high-profile role in the previous administration and the ministry’s responsibility for managing funds intended for vulnerable Nigerians. 

Civil society organizations have called for a transparent and thorough investigation, urging the EFCC to follow the evidence wherever it leads. Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express mixed reactions, with some calling for accountability and others urging caution until formal charges are filed.

Political analysts say the case could have implications for ongoing debates about the management of social intervention programs and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in government ministries.

Following her appearance at the EFCC headquarters, the commission will review her statements alongside existing evidence from the investigation. If the EFCC establishes a prima facie case, it may proceed to charge her before a competent court.

Under Nigerian law, offenses such as criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds carry significant penalties upon conviction, including imprisonment and restitution of misappropriated funds.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all cases of corruption without bias, regardless of the political status of those involved. The commission also warned against spreading unverified information that could prejudice the investigation or the judicial process.

The EFCC’s declaration of Sadiya Umar Farouq as wanted marks a significant development in the agency’s ongoing efforts to address alleged corruption in Nigeria’s public sector. With the former minister now engaging with the commission, the next phase will depend on the outcome of her interrogation and the strength of the evidence gathered.

For now, the EFCC continues to encourage public cooperation while maintaining that the investigation will be conducted professionally and in accordance with the rule of law.