HEDA backs EFCC manhunt for Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq over alleged N37bn fraud
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has thrown its weight behind the EFCC’s move to declare former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged corruption involving N37 billion in public funds.
HEDA said the development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and shows that no public official is above accountability.
“HEDA commends the EFCC for taking the bold step of declaring the former minister wanted following allegations involving the diversion of public funds meant for humanitarian purposes and her subsequent failure to appear for court summons. This action sends a strong message that accountability must prevail in public service,” said HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju.
The anti-corruption group recalled that it had earlier welcomed the court order directing the arrest of the former minister and had demanded swift investigation and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the alleged fraud linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Suraju described the allegations as “a grave betrayal of public trust, especially considering that the funds were meant for vulnerable Nigerians facing poverty, displacement, and economic hardship.”
HEDA urged the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies “not to relent until justice is served and all looted public funds are recovered,” stressing that anti-corruption efforts must go beyond media publicity to include diligent prosecution, asset recovery, and institutional reforms.
The group also called on citizens with information on the former minister’s whereabouts to cooperate with law enforcement agencies “in the interest of justice and national accountability.”
HEDA reiterated that corruption in social intervention programmes undermines national development, deepens inequality, and erodes public confidence in government institutions.
It urged the Federal Government to strengthen transparency mechanisms within ministries and agencies handling public welfare programmes to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.
