The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted.
The anti-graft agency published the notice on its official website on Saturday, following allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of public funds during her tenure.
Farouq, 52, served as a cabinet member from 2019 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the official gazette, the former minister hails from Zamfara State and was last known to reside at EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street in the Maitama district of Abuja.
The EFCC’s move to go public follows an intensive investigation into the management of social intervention programs, marking a significant escalation in the government’s probe into the financial activities of the previous administration.
In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission urged the public to assist in locating the suspect. “The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Abuse of Office, [and] Diversion of Public Funds,” the notice read. Authorities have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in bringing the investigation to a formal conclusion.
The EFCC has directed anyone with relevant information to visit any of its zonal offices located in major cities including Uyo, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu, among others.
Citizens can also report sightings via the commission’s dedicated hotline (08093322644) or through their official email. The agency further advised that information could be shared with the nearest police station to ensure a swift response.
