Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq Seeks to Overturn Arrest Warrant in Abuja Court

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to set aside an arrest warrant issued against her in an ongoing corruption trial.

 

Farouq, who is standing trial alongside former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Alkali, and Sani Mohammed, was absent from court on Monday, although the two co-defendants were present.

 

Her lawyer, Oladipo Opeseyi, told the court that her absence was due to health challenges and urged the court to hear an application challenging the arrest warrant issued on April 16.

 

However, the prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, opposed the request, arguing that the application could not be heard until the defendant had been formally arraigned.

 

“According to the records of the court, the application cannot be heard until after arraignment,” he said.

 

Opposing the prosecution’s position, Opeseyi argued that the application was a preliminary issue that could be determined before arraignment, warning that refusing to hear it would amount to denying the defendant fair hearing.

 

The defence lawyer also told the court that communication with his client had been difficult, citing a “10-day holiday in Egypt,” and added that the defence was not in a position to confirm her medical condition.

 

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie noted the submissions and remarked on the need for proper clarity on the issues before the court proceeds.

 

“The court needs to know how to act,” the judge said.

 

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to June 10 for ruling on the application seeking to set aside the arrest warrant.