Justice of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, , and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, , over their alleged involvement in a multimillion-naira fraud case.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 16, 2026, followed the failure of both defendants to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment. The third defendant, , was present in court.
The trio is being prosecuted by the (EFCC) on a 21-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, contract fraud, and alleged misappropriation of public funds totaling $1.3 million and N746.6 million.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly diverted funds meant to be refunded to the ministry by a contractor, Visual ICT Limited, under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office programme.
Prosecuting counsel, , told the court that although the charges were filed in December 2025, the first and second defendants had not been available for arraignment despite being served. He further disclosed that Farouq had previously obtained permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment but has yet to return her passport or provide medical documentation to the commission.
Counsel to the first defendant, , argued that his client’s absence was due to ill health and requested additional time to produce her in court. However, the court rejected the application.
After considering submissions from both parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC’s request and ordered the arrest of the two absent defendants to compel their appearance.
The case has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and continuation of trial proceedings.
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