The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The development has intensified public attention on the anti-graft agency’s investigation, with the Sadiya Farouq wanted notice formally released through official EFCC channels.
Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. During her tenure, the ministry supervised several social intervention programmes, including conditional cash transfers and other humanitarian support initiatives targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
Investigations involving the ministry gained national attention following allegations relating to the management and disbursement of public funds connected to social intervention programmes. The EFCC had earlier questioned several officials and contractors linked to transactions under the ministry.
The release of the Sadiya Farouq wanted notice marks a significant stage in the investigation, which has remained under public and institutional scrutiny.
According to the EFCC, the former minister is being sought in relation to alleged fraud and financial irregularities uncovered during investigations into activities under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
In a notice issued by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC called on members of the public with useful information regarding her whereabouts to contact the commission through its offices nationwide and official communication channels.
The commission stated that the Sadiya Farouq wanted declaration followed repeated efforts to secure her appearance for questioning concerning ongoing investigations.
The EFCC notice included the former minister’s personal details and photograph as part of the public declaration. The agency maintained that the action was taken within its statutory mandate to investigate economic and financial crimes.
Investigations connected to the ministry had earlier involved allegations surrounding the handling of billions of naira allocated to social intervention programmes. Several former ministry officials and contractors have also reportedly been questioned as part of the wider investigation process.
The Sadiya Farouq wanted development has generated reactions across political and civil society circles, with calls for transparency and due process in the handling of the investigation. Meanwhile, the EFCC has continued to stress that investigations remain ongoing and that all actions taken are subject to existing legal procedures and anti-corruption laws.
The declaration highlights renewed anti-corruption efforts involving former public officials and government agencies. Analysts say the Sadiya Farouq wanted notice could further intensify scrutiny of public spending, accountability mechanisms, and the administration of social intervention programmes in Nigeria.
The development also reflects broader institutional efforts to strengthen transparency and oversight in the management of public funds. Public accountability advocates have continued to call for transparent investigations and adherence to due process in corruption-related cases involving government officials.
