Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

In a notice published on its website on Saturday, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any EFCC office nationwide through the provided channels.

According to the commission, Umar Farouq, 52, hails from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The former minister served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.

The EFCC is investigating alleged fraud involving about N37 billion linked to the ministry during her tenure.

On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo issued a warrant for her arrest after she and other defendants failed to appear for arraignment.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie also granted an arrest order against Bashir Nura Alkali, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry.

The court order followed an application by the EFCC after the defendants failed to appear in court for scheduled proceedings.

Umar Farouq, Alkali, and Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million meant for government programmes.