Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former humanitarian affairs minister, failed to show up at court on Monday. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie kept the arrest warrant against her in place.
She faces trial alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed. All three are accused of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and stealing public funds totaling $1.3 million and N746.7 million.
Prosecutors told the judge she was scheduled for arraignment but never appeared. Rotimi Jacobs, the EFCC's counsel, expressed frustration at her continued absence.
"We were here on April 16 when the bench warrant was issued," Jacobs told the court. He noted that the second defendant had immediately surrendered after that order.
Jacobs asked the judge to lift the warrant for the second defendant. He urged the court to keep it active for Farouq, the lead accused.
He reminded the judge that Farouq's lawyer, Oladipo Okpeseyi, had requested one month to bring her to court. The judge had reluctantly agreed, though he'd initially resisted such a long delay.
"I expected to hear today that the defendant was in court," Jacobs said. Instead, no one had brought her.
Okpeseyi then explained where his client actually was. She's currently in Egypt undergoing medical treatment, he told the bench.
According to him, a medical report arrived on his phone the previous night. Farouq's doctor had advised against travel, and she'd need roughly two months to recuperate.
"She is in the hospital in Egypt on doctor's advice," Okpeseyi explained to the court. He requested another adjournment to allow her recovery time.
Justice Onwuegbuzie wasn't convinced by this explanation. He dismissed it as delay tactics designed to obstruct the case.
The judge expressed strong disapproval of her non-appearance. He declared that the arrest warrant would remain active.
"An undertaking was made at the last sitting to produce the first defendant," Onwuegbuzie said firmly. He made clear he wouldn't tolerate more delays.
"I will not grant another adjournment in this matter," the judge continued. His patience had run out with the accused's absences.
He issued a direct order to the defence team. Okpeseyi must bring Farouq back, regardless of her health condition.
"Bring her even in a wheelchair," Onwuegbuzie instructed. The court would take necessary action if she remained absent, he warned.
The warrant was originally issued on April 16, 2026. It came after Farouq skipped her scheduled court appearance.
Her absence triggered a chain reaction among the defendants. Sani Nafiu Mohammed, the second defendant, quickly turned himself in after the warrant was issued.
Jacobs requested that Mohammed's warrant be withdrawn. The prosecution acknowledged his cooperation with authorities.
But for Farouq, no such relief would come. Justice Onwuegbuzie made his position crystal clear on Monday.
The case involves allegations spanning multiple serious offences. Criminal conspiracy ranks among the charges she faces.
Abuse of office is also central to the prosecution's case against her. The financial theft allegations are particularly damaging to her defence.
Proceedings have now been adjourned to allow the defence time to comply. But the judge warned that patience is wearing thin.
