Fresh trouble has emerged for former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission publicly declared her wanted over an alleged fraud investigation.
The anti-graft agency released an official notice containing her details and photograph, asking Nigerians to provide information that could help security operatives locate her.
According to the commission, Farouq is being investigated over allegations linked to financial misconduct and abuse of office during her time in charge of the ministry that handled several federal social intervention programmes.
Investigators believe the case is connected to transactions and activities carried out while she served under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The EFCC notice identified the former minister as an indigene of Zamfara State and listed her last known address in Maitama, Abuja, as part of efforts to trace her whereabouts.
The development has immediately sparked political reactions, especially because the former ministry controlled billions of naira in government funds meant for poverty relief and humanitarian support across the country.
Anti-corruption observers say the public declaration signals a more aggressive approach by investigators as pressure increases for accountability involving former public officials.
The case also adds to the growing list of probes surrounding past government appointees following renewed scrutiny of contracts and financial transactions carried out in recent years.
So far, there has been no official response from Farouq regarding the allegations or the EFCC’s declaration.
As the search intensifies, many Nigerians are now watching closely to see whether the former minister will appear before investigators voluntarily or if further legal action will follow.