A High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to arrest former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

The court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment. Her legal team had presented a medical excuse for her absence, but the court rejected the application and proceeded to approve the EFCC’s request.

Sadiya Umar Farouq is being investigated over alleged financial misconduct involving approximately $1.3 million and ₦746 million during her tenure as minister. The case is part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to probe financial activities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the previous administration.

The anti-graft agency had earlier filed charges against the former minister, prompting the need for her appearance in court. However, following her failure to honour the court summons, the judge ruled that a warrant of arrest should be issued to compel her attendance.

The EFCC is expected to take steps to enforce the court’s order as the case continues. The development has attracted significant public attention, given the scale of funds involved and the importance of the ministry’s role in managing social intervention programmes across the country.

Further proceedings in the case are expected in the coming days.