A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to set aside a bench warrant and warrant of arrest issued against her.
Farouq, alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed, is facing prosecution by the EFCC over allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled that the former minister failed to appear before the court without a valid reason, stating that her medical claims did not justify her absence.
The judge questioned why ailments such as arthritis and heart disease would prevent her from appearing in court, noting that adequate medical facilities exist in Nigeria and describing her excuses as unconvincing.
Following the ruling, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) urged the court to enforce an earlier undertaking by Farouq's legal team to produce her before the court.
The case has been adjourned until July 2, 2026, when the defendants are expected to be arraigned.
