Key Takeaways
- The FCT High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq and former Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali.
- The defendants are facing a 21-count charge filed by the EFCC, including criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
- Allegations involve the fraudulent conversion of $1.3 million and N746.5 million intended for social safety net programs.
- The court rejected a plea for a six-week extension, scheduling the next hearing for May 18, 2026.
Court Orders Arrest of Former Minister Over Multi-Million Naira Fraud Allegations
In a decisive move to uphold the rule of law, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest for the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq. The order also extends to the former Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, following their repeated failure to appear for arraignment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had scheduled the arraignment of the duo, alongside a third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie. While Mohammed appeared in court, the absence of the former minister and the former permanent secretary prompted the prosecution to seek judicial intervention. The defendants are facing a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and the fraudulent award of contracts.
Details of the Alleged Financial Misconduct
According to the charge sheet, the allegations stem from activities occurring between May 2021 and September 2022. The EFCC alleges that Farouq and Alkali, while in their official capacities, were entrusted with significant public funds intended for the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO). Specifically, the prosecution claims the defendants converted $1,300,000 and N746,574,303 to their personal benefit, funds that were meant to be refunded by Visual ICT Limited following the validation of Rapid Response Register beneficiaries.
Prosecution Challenges Defense Claims
During the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) expressed frustration over the defendants' non-compliance. He noted that the charges were filed as early as December 2025. Jacobs highlighted that Farouq had previously been granted the release of her passport for medical travel to Saudi Arabia but had failed to return the document or provide verified medical reports. The court subsequently rejected an affidavit of fact presented by the defense, which cited ill health as the reason for the former minister's absence.
Judicial Intervention and Next Steps
Despite a request from the defense counsel to grant a six-week grace period to produce the defendants, Justice Onwuegbuzie remained firm. The court granted the EFCC’s application for a bench warrant, effectively authorizing law enforcement to apprehend the former minister and the former permanent secretary. The matter has been adjourned until May 18, 2026, for formal arraignment and the commencement of trial.
Why This Matters
This judicial action underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring accountability for high-ranking public officials accused of mismanaging funds meant for the nation's most vulnerable citizens. It serves as a critical reminder that legal processes cannot be bypassed through medical excuses or administrative delays.