Alleged fraud: Court orders arrest of ex-minister Farouq over absence from trial

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for failing to appear for arraignment.

The trial judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued a bench warrant for her arrest after the prosecution informed the court that the ex-minister had repeatedly failed to attend proceedings.

The court also ordered the arrest of a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Alkali, who is standing trial alongside the former minister.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

The EFCC alleged that the funds involved amounted to about $1.37m and ₦748m.

At the resumed hearing, counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the defendants were granted administrative bail and served with the charges.

Jacobs said, “The defendants were granted administrative bail and were duly informed of the charges against them. However, they have failed to appear before this honourable court for their arraignment.” Punch