The charges against the defendants stem from allegations of financial misconduct during their tenure in the ministry. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused them of breach of trust, abuse of office, and fraudulent contract awards involving substantial sums of money. Specifically, the charges detail the misappropriation of approximately $1.3 million and N746.5 million, funds that were meant for public welfare programs under the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).
According to the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Jacobs, the defendants had been served with the charges since December 2025 but had repeatedly avoided appearing in court. Jacobs revealed that Farouq had previously requested the release of her passport for a medical trip to Saudi Arabia in 2024 but had not returned the document or provided any medical reports to substantiate her claims. The prosecution argued that her absence, along with Alkali’s, was a deliberate attempt to evade justice.
Farouq’s legal team, represented by Abdul Ibrahim, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, contended that her absence was due to ill health. They presented an affidavit of fact and medical reports to support their claim, but the court rejected the submission, noting that the documents were dated after the charges had been filed. The defense further requested a six-week grace period to produce Farouq in court, but the judge declined the plea.
In response to the prosecution’s application, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled that a warrant of arrest be issued for both Farouq and Alkali. The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring that the defendants face the charges against them and adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and trial.
This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the former officials, highlighting the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to hold public figures accountable for alleged financial crimes. The case has drawn considerable public attention, given the substantial sums involved and the ministry’s role in managing critical social welfare programs. Observers will be closely watching the next steps in the judicial process, particularly whether the defendants will comply with the court’s orders or if further legal measures will be required to secure their appearance.
The allegations against Farouq and Alkali underscore broader concerns about accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector. The misuse of funds intended for humanitarian and disaster relief programs has far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations who rely on these initiatives. As the case progresses, it will serve as a test of the judiciary’s ability to address high-profile corruption cases effectively.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter to its logical conclusion, signaling that no individual, regardless of their status, is above the law. The commission’s stance reflects growing public demand for stronger anti-corruption measures and stricter enforcement of financial regulations in government agencies.
The adjournment to May 2026 provides a temporary pause in the proceedings, but the issuance of arrest warrants ensures that the defendants remain under legal scrutiny. The coming weeks will likely see intensified efforts by law enforcement to locate and bring Farouq and Alkali before the court, setting the stage for a closely watched trial that could have significant implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
