By Paul Joseph
Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N-Power programme have called for the immediate arrest and prompt arraignment of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, following a recent court order mandating her arrest for failure to appear in court.
The demand comes on the heels of a bench warrant issued by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, after the former minister allegedly failed to attend her scheduled arraignment.
Speaking on behalf of affected participants, several N-Power beneficiaries—many of whom are youths—described the legal action as “long overdue,” urging authorities to act swiftly in enforcing the court’s directive.
They alleged that prolonged delays in stipend payments during Farouq’s tenure plunged many into severe hardship, with some reportedly facing life-threatening conditions as a result.
One beneficiary, Khalid Muhammad, stressed that timely prosecution is critical, noting that delays in the process have deepened frustration among those still awaiting payments. “We believe the process has already taken too long. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure justice is served and outstanding stipends are addressed,” he said.
Another beneficiary commended the court’s decision but urged security agencies to execute the arrest without delay, expressing hope that the development could pave the way for the resolution of unpaid allowances reportedly spanning up to 12 months.
The situation has also sparked reactions on social media, where some beneficiaries expressed anger and disbelief over the alleged mismanagement of funds. A Facebook user, Wasiu Azeez, questioned how funds meant for N-Power participants were handled, while another beneficiary, Ouwagbemileke Akinloye, reacted with sarcasm, describing the situation as long-awaited justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Farouq and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Alkali, on a 21-count charge related to alleged criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds amounting to about $1.37 million and ₦748 million.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and duly served but failed to appear for arraignment. The prosecution further notified the court that Farouq had not returned her international passport after being granted permission to travel abroad on medical grounds, nor had she provided any medical report to justify her absence.
Defence counsel, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), attributed her absence to ill health and requested additional time, but the court rejected the plea. Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently ordered security agencies to arrest the defendants and produce them in court.
The matter has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment.
Separately, a few years ago, the EFCC disclosed an ongoing investigation involving alleged financial irregularities totalling over ₦37 billion linked to the ministry during Farouq’s tenure. Investigations reportedly trace the funds to multiple accounts associated with a contractor, James Okwete, involving transactions related to cash withdrawals, property acquisitions, and contract awards.
Farouq served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023 and was the pioneer head of the humanitarian ministry. While she has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that allegations linking her to financial misconduct are unfounded, pressure continues to mount from beneficiaries and civil society groups for accountability and resolution of outstanding welfare issues tied to the N-Power programme.
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