Fraud Trial Continues as Court Reaffirms Arrest Warrant for Sadiya Farouq

An FCT High Court in Abuja has sustained the arrest warrant issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over her alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar fraud case being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court reportedly maintained the bench warrant after confirming that the former minister failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment despite being duly served with charges and prior court notices.

Farouq, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023, is facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and diversion of public funds estimated at about $1.3 million and over N700 million.

The EFCC told the court that repeated efforts to ensure her appearance had failed, prompting the request for a bench warrant to compel her attendance.

The presiding judge upheld the warrant, ordering security agencies to ensure her arrest and production in court for arraignment as proceedings continue.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing as the anti-graft agency continues its prosecution.