FCT High Court Dismisses Sadiya Farouq’s Application Against Bench Warrant
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Division, on Monday dismissed an application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, seeking to set aside the bench warrant and arrest order previously issued against her.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie held that Farouq failed to establish any valid justification for her absence in court. He reiterated that under Nigerian criminal procedure, a court is empowered to issue a bench warrant where a defendant deliberately refuses to appear in a criminal proceeding.
Farouq is standing trial alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed on charges of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million, as prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In rejecting her medical excuses, the court described the claims of arthritis and heart disease as insufficient grounds to evade trial, stressing that adequate medical facilities exist within Nigeria. Justice Onwuegbuzie remarked that the defendant appeared to be “hiding behind her fingers” by advancing unconvincing excuses.
The judge further underscored the distinction between criminal proceedings and civil matters, noting that criminal trials must adhere strictly to established legal procedures. He concluded that the application lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.
Following the ruling, prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) urged the court to enforce an undertaking allegedly made by Farouq’s lead counsel, A.A. Ibrahim (SAN), to produce his client in court. Jacobs argued that the medical report relied upon had expired on June 9, 2026, and pressed for the defendant’s appearance at the next sitting.
Counsel A.M. Lawal, appearing for Ibrahim, requested that the senior advocate be allowed to personally address the issue of the undertaking. The court granted this request, affirming Ibrahim’s right to respond.
The matter was adjourned to July 2, 2026, for arraignment and continuation of proceedings.
