The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Monday dismissed an application seeking to set aside the bench warrant and arrest warrant issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over allegations of diversion of public funds.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, in his ruling on June 15, 2026, rejected the request filed by the defendant’s counsel, holding that there was no sufficient justification for her repeated absence from court.
Farouq is being prosecuted alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and alleged diversion of $1.3 million and N746.7 million in public funds.
The court had earlier issued a bench warrant after the former minister failed to appear for proceedings. Delivering ruling on the application to vacate the order, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the defendant had “wilfully failed to appear in court without a valid reason,” noting that the law empowers the court to issue an arrest warrant in such circumstances.
He dismissed explanations presented regarding her health condition, stating that the materials before the court did not sufficiently justify her absence.
“It is important that the applicant be reminded that this is a criminal matter and not a civil one… there is no merit in this application,” the judge ruled.
He further held that the court was convinced the defendant was attempting to evade trial, adding that criminal proceedings require strict adherence to court processes.
Counsel to the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, commended the ruling, urging the court to enforce an earlier undertaking allegedly made by defence counsel, A.A. Ibrahim, SAN, to produce the first defendant in court.
Jacobs argued that the undertaking should not be treated lightly, adding that the defence should ensure compliance at the next adjourned date.
In response, A.M. Lawal, appearing for A.A. Ibrahim, SAN, requested that lead counsel be allowed to appear personally to address the issue of the alleged undertaking.
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, allowing Ibrahim to appear in court to respond to the prosecution’s application on the matter.
The case was adjourned to July 2, 2026, for arraignment.
