The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted in connection with alleged financial crimes and corruption-related offences linked to her tenure as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The declaration, which has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and public service circles, makes Farouq one of the most high-profile figures to be declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in recent times — reflecting the EFCC’s intensified crackdown on alleged financial misconduct within the corridors of government.
The EFCC is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the former minister to report to the nearest EFCC office or contact the commission through its official channels, warning that harbouring a declared wanted person is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
Farouq, who served as minister between 2019 and 2023, oversaw the controversial National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) — including the N-Power scheme, the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme — initiatives that attracted significant public scrutiny, audit queries, and allegations of massive financial irregularities during and after her tenure.
The former minister had previously faced questions from investigative bodies over the management of billions of naira allocated to social intervention programmes under her watch — allegations she had consistently denied, maintaining that her ministry operated with transparency and in full compliance with due process.
Her declaration as a wanted person dramatically escalates the legal pressure on Farouq, raising urgent questions about her current whereabouts and whether she will voluntarily present herself to the EFCC for questioning and investigation.
Anti-corruption advocates and civil society groups have welcomed the EFCC’s action, urging the commission to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion without fear, favour, or political interference — and to ensure that all individuals found culpable in the alleged mismanagement of public funds are held fully accountable before the law.
The EFCC is yet to release further details on the specific charges and the exact nature of the financial crimes alleged against the former minister.
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