EFCC Declares Former Buhari Minister Sadiya Farouq Wanted Over Alleged ₦37 Billion Fraud

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and the diversion of approximately ₦37 billion in public funds.

The anti-graft agency published the notice on Saturday, accompanied by Farouq’s photograph, and appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to her arrest.

According to the EFCC, the 52-year-old former minister is from Zamfara State, and her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Farouq served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, overseeing one of the federal government’s most high-profile ministries, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rollout of several social intervention programmes.

The commission said it is investigating her over the alleged diversion of funds during her tenure, adding another chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of spending under the humanitarian ministry.

The ministry had previously come under public attention over controversies surrounding the administration of relief funds and social investment programmes intended to support vulnerable Nigerians.

Senate confirms Tegbe as power minister, demands urgent action on grid collapse

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale urged anyone with useful information about Farouq’s whereabouts to contact the agency through any of its offices nationwide or via its official communication channels.

The development marks a significant escalation in the corruption investigation involving one of the most prominent members of Buhari’s former cabinet and could become one of the largest public-sector fraud cases linked to the previous administration.

Please follow and like us:

100k