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A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over alleged fraud involving public funds. The court also issued a warrant for the arrest of a top ministry official, Bashir Nura Alkali, who served as permanent secretary during her tenure. The order was granted after both defendants failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment on Thursday. 
The arrest warrant was issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case. According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants face a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and the alleged diversion of public funds. Prosecutors told the court that despite being granted administrative bail and duly served with charges, the defendants repeatedly failed to show up for court proceedings. 
The EFCC alleges that the case involves the misappropriation of about $1.3 million and over ₦746 million, funds linked to social intervention programmes under the ministry. Investigators claim that money meant to be refunded to the government after payments to contractors was instead diverted for personal use by the accused officials. The offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 while Umar-Farouq was in office overseeing humanitarian programmes. 
Although legal representatives for the former minister cited health issues as the reason for her absence, the court rejected the explanation and proceeded with the arrest order. The case is part of broader scrutiny surrounding the management of Nigeria’s social investment programmes, which have faced multiple allegations of financial irregularities in recent years. With the arrest warrant now in place, authorities are expected to ensure the defendants are brought before the court to face the charges. 
