A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to vacate a bench warrant and arrest warrant issued against her. The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, marked a significant setback for the former minister, who is facing allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million.
Court's Rationale
Justice Onwuegbuzie held that Farouq failed to honour the court's summons and provided no credible explanation for her absence. The judge emphasized that the court acted within its constitutional and statutory powers in issuing the bench warrant, stating that no sufficient grounds had been presented to justify setting aside the order. The ruling underscores the court's resolve to ensure the former minister's appearance to answer the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC's Allegations
The EFCC alleges that the funds were unlawfully diverted through transactions connected to the administration of public resources during Farouq's tenure as minister. She is standing trial alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed on charges that include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of public funds.
Legal Proceedings
Following the ruling, EFCC lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) urged the court to enforce an undertaking previously given by Farouq's lead counsel, A.A. Ibrahim (SAN), to produce the former minister before the court. Jacobs argued that despite the assurance, Farouq had continued to stay away from proceedings, necessitating further intervention by the court.
In response, A.M. Lawal, who represented Ibrahim, appealed to the court to allow the senior advocate to personally address the issue of the alleged undertaking. He argued that Ibrahim should be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the commitment attributed to him before any adverse decision is taken.
Adjournment and Next Steps
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request and directed Ibrahim to appear before the court to clarify his position on the matter. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 2, 2026, for the arraignment of the defendants and continuation of proceedings.
Significance of the Ruling
The ruling represents a significant victory for the EFCC and reinforces the court's resolve to compel the former minister's appearance to answer the charges against her. The high-profile case has attracted widespread public attention due to the substantial sums involved and Farouq's former oversight of key humanitarian and social intervention programmes of the Federal Government. With the court refusing to vacate the arrest warrant, attention now shifts to the next hearing, where the defendants are expected to be formally arraigned in one of the country's most closely watched corruption cases.
