Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Monday, June 15, 2026, dismissed an application filed by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, seeking to set aside a bench warrant and warrant of arrest earlier issued against her.
Farouq is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed over allegations of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that Farouq had deliberately failed to appear before the court without a valid excuse. He noted that the law empowers the court to issue a bench warrant when a defendant is absent without sufficient justification.
“The defendant, who is fully aware that this is a criminal proceeding, has willfully failed to appear in court without a valid reason. The law empowers the court to issue a bench warrant of arrest once it is established that a defendant is absent without justification,” the judge stated.
He further questioned the medical grounds advanced by the defence, saying the documents presented did not adequately explain why Farouq, who reportedly suffers from arthritis and heart disease, could not appear in court.
“There is nothing in the exhibits before the court explaining why the defendant cannot attend proceedings. Are there no medical facilities in Nigeria? I am convinced that the first defendant is merely hiding behind flimsy excuses. This is a criminal matter, not a civil one, and there are established procedures governing criminal proceedings.
“Consequently, I find no merit in this application and it is hereby dismissed,” he ruled.
Following the ruling, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, commended the court for what he described as a well-considered decision. He also reminded the court of an earlier undertaking by defence counsel, A.A. Ibrahim, SAN, to produce the defendant before the court.
Jacobs urged the court to enforce the undertaking, noting that the medical report submitted by the defence only requested a six-to-eight-week period, which had already elapsed on June 9, 2026.
“My Lord, a senior advocate gave an undertaking, which is reflected in the court’s records, to produce the defendant. We respectfully ask the court to give effect to that undertaking.
The medical report relied upon by the defence has expired, and we have resolved to proceed with the arrest of the first defendant. We also urge defence counsel to cooperate and produce his client at the next sitting to avoid the use of coercive measures,” Jacobs said.
Responding on behalf of A.A. Ibrahim, SAN, defence counsel A.M. Lawal requested that Ibrahim be given the opportunity to personally address the court regarding the issue of the undertaking.
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, stating that Ibrahim should be present in court to defend himself on the matter.
The case was subsequently adjourned until July 2, 2026, for arraignment.
