The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and former Permanent Secretary, Bashir Alkali after both officials failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding in Abuja.
The directive was issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which is prosecuting the case.
According to court filings, the anti-graft agency is pursuing multiple charges against the defendants tied to alleged financial misconduct during their time in office.
The case involves accusations relating to contract approvals, handling of public funds, and administrative decisions taken within the ministry over a defined period.
At the latest hearing, proceedings could not move forward as the two principal defendants were absent. The prosecution informed the court that efforts had been made to secure their attendance, but those attempts did not yield results.
Legal representatives to the former minister indicated that her absence was health-related, but the court declined to proceed based on that submission without further substantiation.
The court subsequently considered the broader implications of repeated non-appearance in a matter of public interest.
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court ruled that the absence of the defendants had stalled proceedings and warranted a compulsory measure to ensure their presence.
The arrest order is intended to compel the defendants to appear before the court to take their pleas and allow the trial process to begin.
The case also includes a third defendant who was present in court and is expected to stand trial alongside the others once proceedings commence fully.
Financial records referenced in the case point to transactions running into both foreign currency and naira values, raising concerns around accountability and oversight within the ministry during the period under review.
The matter has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, when the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, subject to the enforcement of the arrest order.
The development underscores increasing judicial pressure on high-profile defendants to comply strictly with court processes, particularly in cases involving public funds and governance.
