Court Upholds Arrest Warrant Against Sadiya Farouq Over $1.3m, ₦746.7m Allegations

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, has dismissed an application filed by counsel to a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to set aside the bench warrant and warrant of arrest issued against her.

Farouq, alongside two others, Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed, are to face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds to the tune of $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million.

Delivering the ruling, the judge held that the defendant had wilfully failed to appear in court without a valid reason, maintaining that the law empowers the court to issue a bench warrant of arrest where it is established that a defendant is absent without justification.

Following the ruling, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, asked the court to enforce an undertaking allegedly made by counsel to the former minister, A.A. Ibrahim, to produce his client before the court.

Responding, A.M. Lawal, who appeared for Ibrahim, urged the court to allow the senior advocate to personally respond to the issue of the undertaking.

Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, stating that Ibrahim should be allowed to appear in court to defend himself regarding the undertaking.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to July 2, 2026, for arraignment.