The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged financial crimes. The anti-graft agency announced this in a public notice released on Friday, accusing the former minister of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
Details of the Declaration
According to the notice, Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State. Her last known address is listed as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC said she is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct during her tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
The statement read: "The public is hereby notified that SADIYA UMAR FAROUQ, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Abuse of Office, Diversion of Public Funds."
Public Assistance Sought
The commission appealed to members of the public with useful information regarding the former minister's whereabouts to contact its offices across the country or report to the nearest police station and security agency. The notice stated: "Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices." The EFCC also provided a contact telephone number and official email address for information relating to the case.
Political Reactions
The development has triggered reactions across political and public circles, given Farouq's prominent role in Buhari's cabinet. She oversaw several government intervention programmes during her tenure.
Anti-Corruption Crackdown
The declaration is expected to intensify public attention on ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving former public office holders. This follows the recent conviction of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, who was found guilty on 12 counts of money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
