Tension Rises Over Sadiya Umar Farouq As Her Whereabouts Are Finally Revealed

Counsel to former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo that his client is currently in Egypt receiving medical treatment and is unable to appear in court for arraignment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Farouq, alongside Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, and Sani Mohammed, is facing a 21-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges involve alleged abuse of office and breach of trust linked to about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.

During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, reminded the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment but the former minister was absent.

He recalled that the court had earlier issued a bench warrant against Farouq on April 16, 2026.

Jacobs also informed the court that the second defendant had voluntarily reported to the EFCC, urging the court to withdraw the warrant against him while maintaining the one issued for Farouq.

Farouq’s lawyer, Oladipo Okpesheyi, explained that she was undergoing treatment in Egypt and had been advised by doctors not to travel.

According to him, a medical report sent to him showed that she was hospitalised and would require about two months to recover before returning to Nigeria.

He appealed to the court for an adjournment to allow her time to regain her health.

Presiding judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, expressed concern over the delay and warned that stricter measures could be taken if the former minister failed to appear at the next hearing.

The judge subsequently ruled that the arrest warrant against Farouq would remain in force and adjourned the case until June 8, 2026, for arraignment.