- The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the application should not be entertained before the defendants are formally arraigned
- the defence maintained that the motion was a valid preliminary application
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has asked an Abuja High Court to revoke the bench warrant previously issued for her arrest.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the request was made on Monday during proceedings in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving Farouq, former ministry Permanent Secretary Bashir Alkali, and Sani Mohammed.
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Although the second and third defendants were present in court, Farouq was absent for the hearing, prompting the prosecution to draw the court’s attention to her continued nonappearance.
Counsel to the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the former minister was not in attendance despite earlier arrangements for her arraignment.
Responding, Farouq’s lawyer, Oladipo Opeseyi (SAN), explained that his client was unable to appear because of health-related issues. He urged the court to consider an application seeking the withdrawal of the arrest warrant issued against her.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the application should not be entertained before the defendants are formally arraigned. Atolagbe also reminded the court that the defence had previously undertaken to produce Farouq for the proceedings.
However, the defence maintained that the motion was a valid preliminary application and could be heard independently of the arraignment process.
During the proceedings, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie sought clarification on when the former minister would be available to appear before the court.
Opeseyi told the judge that communication with his client had been limited, partly because she had been in Egypt during a 10-day holiday period. He added that the defence team could not fully assess her medical condition.
The court eventually permitted arguments on the application.
While presenting the motion, Farouq’s legal team urged the court to cancel the warrant issued on April 16. The EFCC, however, challenged the medical documents submitted by the defence, questioning their reliability and urging the court to reject them.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter until June 10, when he is expected to deliver a ruling on the application.
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