A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over her failure to appear for arraignment.
The court also ordered the arrest of a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, who was equally absent in court.
The order was granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie after the defendants failed to appear to answer to charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The anti-graft agency had filed a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
A third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, however, was present in court for the scheduled arraignment.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that although the charges were filed in December 2025, the first and second defendants had repeatedly failed to present themselves for arraignment despite being served.
He further informed the court that the former minister had earlier travelled abroad on medical grounds after her passport was released to her but had yet to return it or provide medical records to the commission.
Jacobs urged the court to issue a warrant of arrest to compel their appearance, noting that they had been granted bail but failed to report as required.
Counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), attributed her absence to ill health and sought time to produce her in court, but the request was declined.
Ruling on the application, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the prosecution’s request and ordered the immediate arrest of the two defendants.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case till May 18, 2026, for arraignment and commencement of trial.
The charges against the defendants include alleged fraudulent award of contracts and diversion of funds amounting to about $1.3m and over N746m during their tenure in office.
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