Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, is currently in Egypt and unable to appear before the court due to health challenges.
Her counsel, Oladipo Okpesheyi, disclosed this to the court when her case was mentioned.
Recall that Farouq is facing a 21-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, and Sani Mohammed, over alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million, with the case filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.
At a resumed hearing on Monday, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment but noted that the first defendant was absent despite an existing bench warrant for her arrest.
Her counsel argued that the second defendant had earlier surrendered following the court order and urged the court to sustain the warrant issued against Farouq.
However, defence counsel Okpesheyi told the court that his client was receiving medical attention in Egypt and would not be fit to appear in court for about two months.
He said, “My lord, she is in Egypt. I learnt that her doctor said she is not medically fit to appear today. There is a medical report I received on my phone last night that she is in the hospital on doctor’s advice in Egypt.
“She will need about two months to recover before she can come. We will be humbly asking for an adjournment.”
The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, questioned the explanation and warned against delay tactics, maintaining that the arrest warrant against the former minister remains in force.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to June 8, 2026, for arraignment.
