The Digest:
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo has issued bench warrants for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Farouq and permanent secretary Bashir Nura Alkali after they failed to appear for arraignment. The EFCC is prosecuting them on 21 counts of criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of funds totaling approximately N2.49 billion ($1.3 million and over N746 million). The court rejected a medical excuse from Farouq's counsel.
Key Points:
- Taxpayers face another high-profile case of alleged humanitarian fund diversion.
- The former minister's travel permission and missing passport raise accountability questions.
- A bench warrant signals judicial frustration with repeated non-compliance.
- The EFCC gains momentum in pursuing political-era corruption cases.
- A third defendant appeared in court, highlighting selective court attendance.
Attention now shifts to whether Farouq and Alkali surrender or face forced arrest before the May 18 adjournment.
Sources: Premium Times
