Farouq, alongside Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, and Sani Mohammed, is facing a 21-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges involve alleged breach of trust and abuse of office linked to about $1.3 million and ₦746.6 million.

During proceedings on Monday, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), reminded the court that a bench warrant had earlier been issued against Farouq after she failed to appear in court.

He also informed the court that the second defendant had since surrendered to the commission and requested that the warrant against him be withdrawn while the one against Farouq remained in force.

Responding, Farouq’s lawyer, Oladipo Okpesheyi, said the former minister was undergoing treatment in Egypt based on medical advice.

According to him, a medical report received from her doctors indicated that she was currently hospitalised and would require about two months to recover before returning to Nigeria.

He appealed to the court for an adjournment to allow her complete her treatment.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, however, expressed concern over the delay in the case and warned that stricter measures could be taken if the former minister fails to appear at the next hearing.

The court subsequently ruled that the arrest warrant against Farouq would remain in effect and adjourned the matter until June 8, 2026, for arraignment.

Akpabio reportedly recorded wins across all 10 local government areas in the district, polling a total of 121,425 votes.

According to the results announced, he secured 11,895 votes in Abak, 12,877 in Essien Udim, 9,148 in Etim Ekpo, 9,325 in Ika, 10,153 in Ikono, 12,174 in Ikot Ekpene, 8,874 in Ini, 10,062 in Obot Akara, 19,586 in Oruk Anam, and 17,328 in Ukanafun.

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, also clinched the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District.

The Returning Officer, Williams Kayode, declared Uzodimma winner after he polled 230,464 votes across the 12 local government areas in the Orlu zone.

Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, scored 1,098 votes in the contest.

In Yobe State, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan emerged as the consensus APC senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

Reacting to his emergence, Lawan described it as a victory for democracy, unity, and collective commitment to the development of Yobe North.

He also appreciated the APC leadership, stakeholders in the district, and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni for supporting his candidacy.

Elsewhere, Erondu Erondu won the APC senatorial primary for Abia South with 16,640 votes.

He defeated Nyerere Anyim, who polled 5,206 votes, Blessing Nwagba with 4,456 votes, and Paul Ikonne, who secured 4,099 votes.

Erondu is expected to face Labour Party Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in the 2027 general election.

Speaking to supporters in Kano, Yusuf expressed displeasure over recent comments made by his former political mentor, insisting that he would respond if provoked further.

The governor said Kwankwaso should be careful with his words, warning that continued criticism could lead him to reveal details the former presidential candidate might not be comfortable with.

His remarks come after Kwankwaso, in a recent interview, accused Yusuf and other close allies of political betrayal and vowed to defeat him in the 2027 governorship election.

Kwankwaso also expressed disappointment over what he described as a breakdown of trust, saying he never expected such actions from those he supported politically.

He further criticised some beneficiaries of his educational programmes, alleging that some later turned against the movement that sponsored them.

Responding, Yusuf questioned Kwankwaso’s tone, noting the age difference between them and saying he had so far remained restrained out of respect.

He added that while peace in Kano remains a priority, he would not hesitate to speak out if pushed further, warning against escalating political tension in the state.