A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over her failure to appear in court for arraignment.
The trial judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, gave the order on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that the former minister had repeatedly failed to attend proceedings.
Also affected by the order is a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Alkali, who is standing trial alongside Farouq.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds amounting to about $1.37 million and ₦748 million.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and were duly notified of the charges but failed to present themselves for arraignment.
“The defendants were granted administrative bail and were duly informed of the charges against them. However, they have failed to appear before this honourable court for their arraignment,” Jacobs said.
He further told the court that efforts to ensure their attendance had been unsuccessful, noting that only one of the defendants was present in court.
Jacobs also raised concern over Farouq’s failure to return her international passport after she was granted permission to travel abroad on medical grounds.
“The first defendant has not returned her international passport and has not provided any medical report to justify her absence,” he added.
Counsel to the defendants, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), however, attributed Farouq’s absence to ill health.
He urged the court to consider an affidavit deposed to in that regard and requested six weeks to produce her in court.
“My lord, the first defendant is unwell, and we have placed an affidavit before the court to that effect. We respectfully seek time to ensure her appearance,” Ibrahim said.
Justice Onwuegbuzie declined the request and granted the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.
“In view of the failure of the defendants to appear before this court for their arraignment, the application of the prosecution is hereby granted,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently directed security agencies to arrest the defendants and produce them for arraignment.
The case was adjourned until May 18, 2026, for further proceedings.
Farouq served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
