Court Orders Arrest of Sadiya Umar Farouq Over Alleged N37bn Fraud -

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over her alleged involvement in a N37 billion fraud case.

The presiding judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued the arrest warrant after the former minister failed to appear in court for her scheduled arraignment.

The court also ordered the arrest of Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry and co-defendant in the case, who was also absent during proceedings.

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The application for the arrest warrants was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case.

The anti-graft agency informed the court that the defendants had been duly notified of the hearing but failed to attend.

The EFCC alleged that the case involves the misappropriation and laundering of about N37 billion meant for social intervention programmes under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The funds were reportedly earmarked for initiatives such as the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme and other poverty alleviation programmes targeting vulnerable Nigerians.

According to the commission, the funds were diverted through a network of contractors and proxies in violation of financial regulations and procurement laws.

The defendants are expected to face multiple charges bordering on fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office.
Following their absence, the court directed law enforcement agencies to arrest the defendants and produce them before the court to answer the charges.

The case forms part of ongoing efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate alleged corruption in the management of public funds.

Further proceedings are expected after the defendants are brought before the court.