Court Upholds Arrest Warrant Against Sadiya Farouq In Fraud Trial

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has rejected an application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to overturn a bench warrant previously issued for her arrest.

Delivering his ruling on Monday, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie held that the former minister failed to provide a convincing explanation for her repeated absence from court in a criminal case brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge stressed that defendants in criminal matters are expected to appear before the court unless there are legitimate and verifiable reasons for their absence, noting that the law empowers courts to issue arrest warrants when such obligations are disregarded.

Farouq is standing trial alongside two other defendants over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the alleged diversion of public funds totaling $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million.

The EFCC argued that the former minister had no justifiable reason for failing to appear in court. The court also dismissed medical claims presented on her behalf, including arthritis and heart-related health concerns, ruling that they were insufficient grounds for her non-appearance.

Justice Onwuegbuzie observed that the medical evidence submitted did not adequately demonstrate why Farouq was unable to attend the proceedings, adding that criminal trials must be conducted according to established legal procedures and cannot be delayed by unsupported claims.

Counsel to the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), welcomed the ruling and urged the court to enforce an undertaking allegedly made by the defendant’s lead counsel to ensure her appearance for arraignment.

Jacobs further maintained that prolonged delays in the matter were unacceptable and called on the court to utilize its legal powers to compel compliance with its directives.

In response, defence counsel requested that senior lawyers involved in the matter be given the opportunity to personally address the court regarding issues surrounding the alleged undertaking.

The request was granted by the court, and the matter was subsequently adjourned until July 2, 2026, for arraignment.

The case remains ongoing as the EFCC continues its prosecution of the former minister over allegations of financial misconduct and the diversion of public funds.