A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to vacate a bench warrant issued for her arrest in an alleged fraud case involving $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
Gatekeepers News reports that the former minister is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds. According to the anti-graft agency, the funds in question amount to $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
In his ruling, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie held that Farouq failed to appear before the court without a valid excuse, stressing that the law empowers the court to issue a bench warrant when a defendant deliberately stays away from criminal proceedings.
The judge also rejected the medical grounds advanced by the former minister for her absence. He noted that the medical documents presented showed she was suffering from arthritis and heart disease but did not explain why she could not appear before a Nigerian court. The judge questioned whether adequate medical facilities were unavailable in the country and concluded that the excuses offered were insufficient.
Following the ruling, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, urged the court to enforce an undertaking allegedly made by Farouq’s lawyer, A.A. Ibrahim, to produce his client before the court. The prosecution also argued that the medical report relied upon by the defence had already expired and should not prevent her appearance in court.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 2 for the arraignment of the defendants, while the arrest warrant against the former minister remains in force.
