The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, has affirmed the arrest warrant previously issued against the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, in connection with an alleged fraud case involving $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
Background of the Case
Farouq is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside two other individuals, Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed. The charges against them include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds. The court had initially issued a bench warrant for Farouq's arrest on April 16, 2026, after she failed to appear for her arraignment.
Proceedings in Court
During the latest court session, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment but noted that Farouq was once again absent without any formal explanation. Jacobs stated, "My lord, we were here on April 16, 2026, when your lordship granted a bench warrant against the 1st defendant. It was because of that order that the 2nd defendant immediately approached the Commission and surrendered himself in obedience to the court."
Jacobs urged the court to maintain the warrant against Farouq while lifting the order against the second defendant, who had submitted to the court's authority. He also recalled that Farouq's counsel, Oladipo Okpeseyi, had previously requested a one-month period to produce his client. "My expectation this morning was for my learned colleague to produce his client as promised. Instead, she is absent again. I urge the court to enforce that undertaking rather than entertain any application to discharge the warrant," Jacobs argued.
Defense Counsel's Explanation
In response, Farouq's counsel informed the court that he was only notified late Sunday that his client was receiving medical treatment in Egypt and was medically unfit to attend the proceedings.
Judge's Ruling
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie expressed displeasure over what he described as repeated attempts to delay the proceedings. He stated, "At the last adjournment, counsel undertook to produce the first defendant before this court. It will be impossible to grant another lengthy adjournment. I will not tolerate unnecessary delays in my court. I will give a short adjournment, and you must produce her, even if she comes in a wheelchair. If she is not here at the next sitting, the court will take necessary action."
The judge subsequently ruled that the arrest warrant against Farouq remains in force and adjourned the matter until June 8, 2026, for arraignment.
