Sadiya Umar Farouq Skips Court Appearance, Defence Claims She Is Receiving Treatment in Egypt

The trial of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has again stalled after her legal team told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo that she is currently in Egypt receiving medical treatment and is not fit to stand trial.

Farouq, alongside Bashir Nura Alkali, a former permanent secretary, and Sani Mohammed, is facing a 21-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged abuse of office, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.

At Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment, but noted that the first defendant was absent without any formal explanation.

Jacobs reminded the court that an earlier sitting in April 2026 had resulted in a bench warrant for Farouq’s arrest after she failed to appear, while another defendant had since surrendered to the commission.

He urged the court to maintain the arrest warrant against the former minister while removing it for the co-defendant, who had complied with court orders.

However, defence counsel Oladipo Okpesheyi told the court that Farouq’s absence was due to illness, stating that he was informed doctors in Egypt had advised her not to travel for at least two months.

He said a medical report confirming her condition was received, and requested an adjournment to allow her time to recover and return for trial.

The presiding judge, however, expressed concern over repeated delays in the case and warned that the court would take further action if the defendant failed to appear at the next hearing.

The matter was adjourned to June 8, 2026, for arraignment, while the existing arrest warrant against Farouq remains in force.

Amidst ₦190 billion EFCC trial, Yahaya Bello wins APC senatorial ticket

Please follow and like us:

100k