Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq

Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development from 2019 to 2023. She has been the subject of several significant investigations and legal actions regarding the alleged mismanagement of public funds. In January 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned her regarding an alleged laundering of N37.1 billion through a contractor, James Okwete, during her tenure. Farouq denied any association with the contractor or involvement in fraudulent activities. Additionally, the EFCC filed a 21-count charge against her for the alleged diversion of $1.3 million and N746.6 million. In April 2026, an Abuja court issued an arrest warrant after she failed to appear for arraignment. The EFCC subsequently declared her wanted, as the court maintained the warrant, noting her absence for medical treatment in Egypt. Previously, in 2020, the ICPC alleged the diversion of N2.67 billion meant for school feeding programs, and in 2024, a Federal High Court ordered her to account for N729 billion in payments to beneficiaries.