The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

The anti graft agency announced the development in a wanted notice published on its official website on Saturday, stating that the former minister is being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

According to the notice, Sadiya Umar Farouq, 52, is from Zamfara State, with her last known address listed as EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the commission, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist in locating the former minister.

The notice stated: “The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.”

The commission urged anyone with relevant information regarding her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Ilorin, Sokoto, Ibadan, Benin, Makurdi, Uyo, and Gombe.

The EFCC also provided its emergency contact line and official email address, while advising members of the public to report to the nearest police station or other security agencies if necessary.

Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.