$1.3m fraud: EFCC declares to ex-minister Sadiya wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a significant step by declaring former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, wanted. This action stems from allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of substantial public funds amounting to $1.3 million and N746.6 million during her tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC's wanted notice, prominently displayed on its website, details Farouq's personal information and last known address. The commission is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to her whereabouts, urging anyone with useful details to contact them through various offices or the provided contact numbers. This move underscores the EFCC's commitment to pursuing individuals accused of financial impropriety, regardless of their former positions.

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The public is hereby notified that SADIYA UMAR FAROUQ, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

This declaration follows the EFCC's successful procurement of an arrest warrant against Farouq and a Permanent Secretary in her ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, on April 16. Their failure to appear in court for arraignment on the charges, which include the alleged conversion of $1.3 million intended for the ministry, has escalated the investigation. The funds in question were reportedly related to payments under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office programme. The EFCC's pursuit of these allegations highlights a critical focus on accountability within public service in Nigeria.

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Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.