A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
Gatekeepers News reports rhag the order followed her failure to appear for her ongoing trial over allegations of fraud linked to an alleged ₦37.1 billion social intervention contract scandal.
The order was issued on Thursday following repeated absences by the former minister, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged irregularities in the handling of public funds during her tenure.
According to court proceedings, Farouq’s legal team had earlier informed the court of her absence due to what they described as “official engagements,” but the judge ruled that the explanation was insufficient given previous adjournments granted for the same reason.
The court consequently directed security agencies to ensure her appearance at the next sitting, stressing that the trial cannot continue in her absence as it risks stalling the judicial process.
The EFCC alleges that the former minister was involved in the mismanagement of funds meant for vulnerable households under federal social investment programmes, claims she has consistently denied.
Her co-defendants are also facing trial over alleged diversion and laundering of public funds, but all have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for continuation of hearing, with the court warning that further failure to appear may lead to additional legal consequences.
