In an order to quash a bench warrant and an arrest warrant that had been previously issued against Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former minister of humanitarian affairs petitioned the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, to delete them.
In a case involving accusations of criminal conspiracy, misuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie handed down the verdict on Monday during proceedings.
A statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed the news. Prosecutors plan to bring Farouq, Bashir Nura Alkali, and Sani Nafiu Mohammed to trial on charges related to the misappropriation of around $1.3 million and N746.7 million, respectively.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the ex-minister’s lack of explanation for his absence from court was sufficient to warrant the issuance of an arrest warrant, as stated in the statute.
“The defendant, knowing full well that this is a criminal proceeding, has deliberately chosen not to appear in court without a valid reason. When it is determined that the defendant is absent from court without a valid reason, the court is empowered by law to issue a bench warrant of arrest,” the judge stated.
Since the defence had failed to provide evidence as to why the defendant was unable to appear in court, the judge cast doubt on the medical report they had submitted.
Prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) subsequently asked the court to uphold what he claimed was a prior promise by defence attorney A.A. Ibrahim (SAN) to bring the ex-minister before the judge.
After claiming that the time frame mentioned in the defense’s medical report had passed, Jacobs asked the court to make sure that the commitment was fulfilled.
The senior lawyer’s attorney, A.M. Lawal, responded by requesting that the court grant Ibrahim permission to personally address the undertaking issue.