ICPC Secures 24-Year Jail Term for Retired FCTA Director Over N318 Million Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, over a ₦318 million fraud.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, sentenced Duku to 24 years imprisonment after finding him guilty on a six-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering. The charges were filed by the ICPC under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.
Investigations by the Commission revealed that between 2012 and 2013, Duku fraudulently diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account. The funds were traced to multiple illicit transfers of ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, which were later converted through Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized use.
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During the trial, the ICPC demonstrated that the defendant’s actions contravened public finance regulations and constituted a clear case of abuse of office. Duku’s claim that he remitted the funds to his superiors was dismissed by the court for lack of evidence.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ruled that Duku’s conduct represented a deliberate attempt to defraud the government. The court sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the six counts, to run concurrently.
He was also given the option of paying a fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count — amounting to approximately ₦1.6 billion.
The ICPC described the judgment as a landmark victory in its anti-corruption drive, stressing that it reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in public service.
In a statement, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the Commission remained steadfast in ensuring that public officers who betray the public trust are held accountable under the law.
This latest conviction adds to a growing list of successful prosecutions by the ICPC, underscoring its determination to restore integrity and discipline within the nation’s governance system.
By PRNigeria
