Beneficiaries of the federal government’s N-Power programme have called for the arrest and speedy arraignment of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, following a recent court order mandating her arrest over failure to appear in court.
The demand is coming 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.
Several N-Power beneficiaries described the legal action as “long overdue,” urging the authorities to act swiftly in enforcing the court’s directive.
They alleged that prolonged delays in the payment of their stipends during Farouq’s tenure, plunged many beneficiaries into severe hardship, with some reportedly facing life-threatening conditions as a result.
A 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 development has also sparked reactions on social media, where some beneficiaries expressed anger and disbelief over 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 bordering on 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), told the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and duly served but failed to appear for arraignment.
The prosecution further informed the court that Farouq had not returned her international passport after being granted permission to travel abroad on medical grounds, nor provided any medical report to justify her absence.
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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.
